Successful reductions of anterior shoulder dislocations using intra articular lidocaine injection

ABSTRACT

To find out the frequency of successful reductions in acute anterior shoulder dislocations after the use of intra-articular lidocaine injection. This study [case series] was conducted in Emergency Department of Civil Hospital Karachi from July 2009 to January 2010. Patients with acute anterior shoulder dislocation [diagnosed with examination and X-Rays] were reduced in emergency department by Hippocratic method after infiltration of 1% Lidocaine in the affected shoulder joint. Reduction was confirmed by post reduction shoulder X-Rays. Frequency of successful reduction and complications were recorded. Majority of the patients [34.3%] were between 18-30 years of age group with mean age of 40.14 [ +/- 15.14] years. Males were affected more than females with male to female ratio being 2.91. They commonly had predominant right shoulder dislocation [71.4%]. Successful reduction was achieved in 32 [91.4%] patients after infiltration of 1% lidocaine injection. No complication was recorded. Use of intra-articular lidocaine for reduction of shoulder joint appears to be a safe and effective method and associated with successful reduction in majority of cases