Stimson's technique of shoulder reduction
Last reviewed 01/2018
This procedure may be seen as an adaptation of the Hippocratic method.
The patient is given analgesia (which will reduce the pain and thus muscle spasm around the injury), placed in the prone position with the affected limb hanging over the side of the bed. The patient is then asked to try to relax. The idea is that the weight of the limb performs the traction part of the Hippocratic method - ie the shoulder reduces itself. This can be assisted if the patient holds a weight in the hand on the affected side, thus increasing the traction.
This is the least traumatic method of reduction.