The prevention of shoulder pain and contracture in the acute tetraplegia patient

Abstract

Distress and concern over the development of painful frozen shoulders in several tetraplegic patients prompted a change in posturing at the Royal Perth (Rehabilitation) Hospital, Spinal Unit, Perth, Western Australia that has resulted in elimination of this complication. The method of positioning the arms in the supine and side lying positions is described and the application of the method in four of 15 patients is presented. © 1981 International Medical Society of Paraplegia.