An Easy New Method for Reducing Anterior Shoulder Dislocations: The Lateral Position Technique

Background Anterior shoulder dislocation is the most common dislocation that occurs in the human body, and reduction can still be a major challenge to the physician. Objectives To develop a new reduction technique called the lateral position maneuver (LPM) method (also known as the Makihara method), which is performed in a lateral position by a single physician without sedation. Methods Eighty-five patients with clinically and radiographically proven acute anterior shoulder dislocations were included. The LPM method was used for all the patients included in the study. The inclusion criterion was a traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder that presented within 24 hours of injury, including those with a greater tuberosity fracture or Bankart lesion. Patients with multiple traumas, Neers three- or four-part fractures, insufficient clinical data, neuropathy, and dislocations repaired by other methods were excluded. Ultimately, 13 shoulders (13 patients) were included in the study. Results Numerous reduction techniques for anterior glenohumeral joints exist, and the success rate for first-time anterior shoulder dislocations ranges from 70% to 90%. Most of these techniques required assistance and sedation during the procedure; however, our technique is easy to perform as we were able to achieve a closed reduction of acute anterior dislocation, requiring only a single physician to perform it without the use of sedation. Conclusions This study showed that there were no complications from the use of the LPM method (Makihara method) and that it is useful. The number of patients included in this study was small, but further additional studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.