Anterior dislocation of the shoulder: a simple method of reduction.

An effective method for reducing anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint which does not require either sedation or traction is described. The patient performs the manoeuvre. A series of 32 consecutive patients were treated by this method. Easy reduction was achieved in 72 per cent, with no complications and patients spent less than half as long in the accident and emergency department as when it is not successful. We recommend this simple technique as a first method of reduction in patients presenting to accident and emergency departments.