Modified Cunningham Technique for Anterior Shoulder Dislocation

Summary

Anterior shoulder dislocation is a common emergency condition that usually requires closed reduction in the emergency department. Several reduction techniques are used in clinical practice, and the ideal method should be effective, fast, easy to perform, well tolerated by the patient, and associated with a low need for sedation.

This two-center prospective randomized study compares the standard Cunningham technique with a modified Cunningham technique in adult patients presenting to the emergency department with anterior shoulder dislocation. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: standard Cunningham technique or modified Cunningham technique.

The main aim of the study is to compare the success rate of shoulder reduction between the two techniques. Secondary aims include comparing reduction time, pain level measured by the Visual Analog Scale, need for additional reduction maneuvers, need for sedation, emergency department discharge time, and procedure-related complications.

The study is designed to determine whether the modified Cunningham technique can provide faster and more successful shoulder reduction without increasing patient discomfort or complication risk.

Conditions

• Anterior Shoulder Dislocation
• Closed Reduction
• Modified Cunningham Technique

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Standard Cunningham Technique

Closed reduction of anterior shoulder dislocation using the standard Cunningham technique. The participant is seated, the affected upper extremity is supported in adduction and elbow flexion, and the physician applies massage to the biceps, deltoid, and trapezius muscles to facilitate muscle relaxation and shoulder reduction without forceful traction.

PROCEDURE

Modified Cunningham Technique

Closed reduction of anterior shoulder dislocation using the modified Cunningham technique. The participant is seated, and the affected hand is placed on the volar aspect of the physician's elbow. The physician supports the participant's elbow and applies gentle downward pressure to the antecubital region while performing massage of the biceps, deltoid, and trapezius muscles to facilitate reduction without forceful traction.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Akdeniz University Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Antalya Health Sciences University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• MURAT DUYAN · University of Health Sciences, Antalya Training and Research Hospital

• SULEYMAN IBZE, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR · Akdeniz universty

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-12-01

Primary Completion

2026-06-01

Completion

2026-06-05

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations