Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Patients in Emergency Departments in Turkey: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the general epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients admitted to the emergency department with shoulder dislocation. Methods: This single-center retrospective cross-sectional study, which included patients with anterior shoulder dislocation, was conducted as a chart review at the Emergency Department of the Tekirdag State Hospital between 01 January 2018 to 31 December 2019. Results: A total of 165 patients (median age 50 years and 60% of males) with anterior shoulder dislocation were included. The most common mechanism was traumatic dislocation (65.5%), the primary reduction technique was traction/countertraction (80.6%). Two-thirds of the patients had right shoulder dislocation, traumatic dislocation, and sedoanalgesia was not required. Age was lower in men, but spontaneous dislocation was more common. The diagnosis was made with an x-ray at a rate of 99%. Emergency physicians were 96% successful. Conclusions: Direct radiography successfully makes the diagnosis of anterior shoulder dislocation. Anterior dislocation management by emergency physicians is highly successful. It should be considered that atraumatic dislocations are more common in young male patients.