Early reduction of acute anterior shoulder dislocations in a ski field setting

Objective The present study describes the management of suspected shoulder dislocations in ski field clinics. Methods Data were collected from two clinics in Queenstown, New Zealand. Suspected anterior shoulder dislocations, with no suspicion of significant fractures and without imaging, underwent attempted reduction. Results Ninety percent (n = 49) of dislocations were successfully relocated. No short-term complications because of this procedure were observed. Conclusion This short report raises the possibility that early anterior shoulder reduction in a ski field clinic can be safe without imaging, in select cases. Prospective studies including patient centred data are recommended.