A Case of Dislocation and Successful Reduction of a Right Anterior Shoulder Inside a Space Suit: Considerations for Future Protocols

Shoulder dislocations are prevalent on Earth and pose unique challenges in spaceflight and spaceflight training, particularly during extravehicular activities (EVAs). This case report describes a 50-year-old male who experienced an anterior shoulder dislocation while performing an emergency egress exercise in a SpaceX EVA suit. The report describes the medical thought process, the operational constraints, and the reduction techniques employed to achieve a successful shoulder reduction without fully removing or damaging the suit. NASA estimates a high likelihood of shoulder injuries during long-duration lunar missions, emphasizing the importance of suit designs and rescue protocols. Quick and effective medical intervention is crucial, as delays can lead to complications. This Earth-based case report provides some insight into reduction technique considerations for suited spaceflight operations in varying gravitational environments.