Conservative or surgical management for that shoulder dislocation?

Bottom line

Due to the void of evidence-based guidelines for conservative vs surgical management of primary shoulder dislocation, it would be prudent to have a risk-benefit discussion with patients regarding treatment options.

Patients older than 30 years and those with uncomplicated injuries are best suited for conservative management of primary shoulder dislocations. Immobilization is debated and may not change outcomes, but a progressive rehabilitative program after the initial acute injury is helpful. Risk factors for failing conservative management include recurrent dislocation, subsequent arthropathy, and additional concomitant bone or soft-­tissue injuries.

Patients younger than 30 years who have complicated injuries with bone or cartilage loss, rotator cuff tears, or recurrent instability, and highly physically active individuals are best suited for surgical management. Shoulder arthroscopy has become the mainstay of surgical treatment for shoulder dislocations. Outcomes are favorable and dislocation recurrence is low after surgical repair. Surgery does carry its own inherent risks of infection, anesthesia effects, complications during surgery, and surgical failure leading to recurrent instability.

CORRESPONDENCE
Cayce Onks, DO, MS, ATC, Penn State Hershey, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Family and Community Medicine H154, 500 University Drive, PO Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033-0850; conks@pennstatehealth.psu.edu