Closed reduction of glenohumeral dislocations with associated tuberosity fracture in the emergency department is safe

Abstract

Aim: A fracture of the tuberosity is associated with 16% of glenohumeral dislocations. Extension of the fracture into the humeral neck can occur during closed manipulation, leading some to suggest that all such injures should be managed under general anaesthesia in the operating theatre. The purpose of this study was to establish the safety of reduction of glenohumeral dislocations with tuberosity fractures in the emergency department (ED).

Patients and methods: We reviewed 188 consecutive glenohumeral dislocations with associated tuberosity fractures identified from a prospective orthopaedic trauma database. Patient demographics, injury details, emergency department management and complications were recorded. The method of reduction, sedation, grade of clinician and outcome were documented.

Results: The mean age was 61 years (range 18-96 years) with 79 males and 109 females. The majority of injuries (146, 78%) occurred after a fall from standing height. Closed reduction under sedation in the ED was successful in 162 (86%) cases. Of the remainder, 22 (11%) failed closed reduction under sedation and subsequently went to theatre and 6 (3%) were deemed not suitable for ED manipulation. At presentation 35 (19%) patients had a nerve injury, of which 29 (90%) resolved spontaneously. Two iatrogenic fractures occurred during close manipulation, one in the ED and the other in the operating theatre. Therefore, the risk of iatrogenic propagation of the fracture into the proximal humerus neck was 0.5% if the reduction was performed in the ED, and 1% over-all. More than two attempted reductions predicted a failed ED reduction (P = 0.001).

Conclusion: Closed reduction of glenohumeral dislocations with associated tuberosity fractures in the ED is safe, with a rate of iatrogenic fracture of 1%. These injuries should be managed by those with appropriate experience only after two adequate radiographic views. In cases where there is ambiguity over the integrity of the humeral neck, reduction should be delayed until multiplanar CT imaging has been obtained.

Keywords: Dislocation; Fracture; Shoulder; Tuberosity.