Propofol Sedation for Reduction of Anterior Shoulder Dislocation

The search continues for the ideal sedating agent to use for reductions in the emergency department. These authors contribute to the increasing body of evidence . . .

The search continues for the ideal sedating agent to use for reductions in the emergency department. These authors contribute to the increasing body of evidence supporting the use of propofol for this purpose. In a study partly funded by the maker of propofol, investigators randomized a convenience sample of 86 patients undergoing reduction of anterior shoulder dislocations to either propofol or midazolam/fentanyl. Both agents were titrated to the sedation endpoint of spontaneous eye closure. Operators performing reduction were blinded to the medication used for sedation.

The propofol group had a significantly higher proportion of men and of patients with significantly larger body build than did the midazolam/fentanyl group. Mean time to ful…

Reviewing Author

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP