Best evidence topic report. How to immobilise after shoulder dislocation?

A short cut review was carried out to establish the best way to immobilise dislocated shoulders after reduction. A total of 47 papers were identified using the reported search, of which four represent the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. For patients with a first anterior shoulder dislocation immobilisation in external rotation may be of more benefit than immobilisation in internal rotation.