FARES method to reduce acute anterior shoulder dislocation: A case series and an efficacy analysis

Abstract

Objective: Anterior shoulder dislocation is a common large joint dislocation. There is no standard method for reduction. A new technique (FARES method) was introduced by a Greek group in late 2009. Design: Case series analysis. Setting: An emergency department. Methods: A survey was conducted from April to June 2010 in the emergency department primarily to collect data on the methods of reduction of anterior shoulder dislocation and their efficacies. Results: Nine cases of anterior shoulder dislocation were documented. All 9 cases were reduced successfully regardless of the reduction methods used. FARES method was found to be popular in the studying emergency department. Six out of the 9 cases were using the FARES method at their first attempt (the rest two case using Spaso; one using traction-counter traction). No pre-medication was needed in all FARES' cases. In all 6 cases using the FARES method, the shoulder could be reduced within 2 minutes. Conclusions: Our experience concords with overseas' in which the FARES method is efficacious and fast.