Quick refreshers before your next procedure

Inferior Shoulder Dislocation

Traction Counter-Traction

Time: 20 mins
Personnel Required:
2
Equipment Required: 
1. 2 bedsheets
2. adequate analgesia 
3. If adding procedural sedation, end tidal CO2 + monitor

Steps: 

1. Assistant: Wrap 2 bedsheets around torso at the neck-clavicle junction of injured side.

2. Assistant: Apply counter-traction with bedsheets.

3. Operator: Grasp the patient's wrist, may interlock your elbow with the patient's elbow to use as a fulcrum in applying axial traction.

4. Operator: Apply further arm adduction as necessary.

5. Place reduced arm in shoulder sling and perform a neurovascular exam.