Ultrasound Accurately Detects Shoulder Dislocation and Reduction

In the absence of major trauma, the diagnosis of glenohumeral dislocation does not require radiography, yet many operators insist on confirming the diagnosis before reduction. Investigators in Iran assessed the accuracy of ultrasound for the diagnosis of shoulder dislocation and reduction, with plain radiographs as the gold standard.

In a prospective observational study at two emergency departments, 73 adult patients with suspected glenohumeral dislocation based on physical exam were enrolled. Radiographs confirmed the diagnosis in 69 patients (95%). Two emergency physicians blinded to x-ray results performed all bedside ultrasound exams. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for identifying dislocation and for assessing complete red…