Conservative management of first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation

Traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation is a common injury in young and active patients and the proper treatment is still a matter of debate. The recurrence rate after conservative management remains high and, therefore, primary surgical intervention is sometimes recommended in very young patients whose risk of recurrences is highest. Immobilization in external rotation, first described by Itoi, is a promising conservative option as it provides adequate labral reduction and low recurrence rates. Recent meta-analyzes could not unequivocally demonstrate its superiority over internal rotation immobilization. However, biomechanical and early clinical results show a better effect on reduction of the labrum and lower recurrence rates for immobilization in a combination of abduction/external rotation than for external rotation alone. The present article aims to provide an overview of the conservative management of first-time traumatic shoulder dislocation in order to provide the treating physician or surgeon with the best current evidence as a basis for developing the appropriate treatment strategy for the patient.