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In 1938, Dr Henry Milch described a maneuver for the reduction of acute anterior shoulder dislocations consisting of shoulder abduction and external rotation with "pulsion" of the humeral head. Although many methods may be used to reduce the dislocated glenohumeral joint, the Milch technique is unique because of its gentle, effective, and relatively painless nature. This article studied the effectiveness of this technique on 76 consecutive acute anterior shoulder dislocations in 75 patients seen in our institution's two campuses over an 18-month period. Twelve shoulders had concomitant fractures of the greater tuberosity. All 76 shoulders were reduced on the first attempt. No anesthesia was used, and no complications were reported from the reduction maneuver. The Milch method is an ideal first line treatment for all acute anterior shoulder dislocations including those associated with fracture of the greater tuberosity. Acute anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint is a common injury that the general orthopedist often treats throughout his/her career as many emergency department personnel and primary care providers are uncomfortable attempting reduction maneuvers. We have studied a reduction technique that is well tolerated, simple, safe, reliable, does not require anesthesia, can be performed without assistance, and can easily be taught to residents, physicians assistants, and emergency room personnel. This method for shoulder reduction helps ensure that patients are receiving efficient and compassionate treatment.

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The objective of this study was to assess the clinical benefits and financial feasibility of using ultrasound for steroid injections of the shoulder. A retrospective chart review and telephone survey of patients in a clinical shoulder practice were performed. ICD-9 codes and CPT codes identified patients who received shoulder injections without (2006) and with (2007) ultrasound guidance during 2 consecutive years. Results were assessed by patient assessment of relief and duration of that relief via telephone survey or from chart review. Financial data was assessed by reviewing the patients' accounts. One hundred fifty-seven injections were given in 2006 and 159 in 2007. In 2006, 126 unique patients were injected compared to 99 unique patients in 2007 (P<.001). Clinical data was collected on 272 patients (86.1%). Ultrasound had no significant effect on the amount of pain relief following injection (P=.468). One hundred thirty-six patients (50.0%) reported significant pain relief, 72 (26.5%) reported moderate, 39 (14.3%) reported mild, and 25 (9.2%) reported no pain relief following injection. During both years, 92.4% of patients had subacromial injections with no significant difference in injection sites (subacromial vs glenohumeral) between the 2 years (P=.252). Neither the injection site (subacromial or glenohumeral, P=.152) nor diagnosis (P=.540) had a significant effect on pain relief. Financial collections from injections increased as expected due to the use of ultrasound.Ultrasound guidance did not change the efficacy of steroid injections, the number of injections, or the type of injections. Steroid injections are useful for managing pain in several shoulder conditions and ultrasound guidance may not be necessary.

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