What is Stimson maneuver?
William Burgess
Updated on March 21, 2026
What is Stimson maneuver?
4.8. Stimson’s maneuver. During the Stimson maneuver the patient lies in prone position with his arm hanging from the examining table. A downward traction to the arm is applied for 10–20 min by the practitioner or by attaching weights to the wrist of the patient to fatigue the shoulder musculature.
Which shoulder reduction technique is most likely to cause complications?
The Kocher technique, which forcefully leverages the humerus, also has a high risk of complications and should not be done. Reduction attempts, particularly those done without sedation, are more likely to succeed if the patient is relaxed and cooperating.
What are the reduction techniques should be used in shoulder dislocation?
Reduction of shoulder dislocation: axial traction and countertraction. Axial traction is applied to arm, and parallel countertraction is applied with sheet wrapped over shoulder. Increasing degree of abduction (if possible) and applying cephalad pressure to displaced humeral head (star) can aid in reduction.
How do you assess a dislocated shoulder?
The physical evaluation for a dislocated shoulder typically consists of palpation (touching) and observation, as well as range of motion and strength tests.
- Palpation and observation. The physician touches the injured shoulder, noting areas of tenderness and observing abnormalities.
- Range of motion and strength tests.
How do you stop a dislocated shoulder posterior?
Gentle, prolonged traction is applied to the arm to achieve reduction for a posterior dislocation, while the head of the humerus is gently coaxed over the rim of the glenoid. Simultaneous slow external rotation may ease the process. In postreduction care, the shoulder needs to be stabilized for at least 4 weeks.
How do you reduce anterior inferior shoulder dislocation?
To reduce an inferior shoulder dislocation, extend the arm at the elbow and then apply overhead traction in the longitudinal direction of the humerus, an assistant may also apply cephalad pressure over the humeral head to help guide it into the joint.
Why does shoulder subluxation occur?
A shoulder subluxation is often caused by: Trauma. Subluxation can result from accidents or injuries that damage the shoulder’s joint or other structures that provide stability. Common examples include falls and motor vehicle accidents.
How do I know if my shoulder is dislocated?
Signs of a Dislocated Shoulder
- Inability to move the shoulder joint.
- Inability to bear weight on the injured arm.
- Visible deformity of the shoulder joint.
- Swelling, bruising and tenderness.
- Numbness, weakness or tingling in the neck or arm.
- Muscle spasms.
What type of shoulder dislocation should not be reduced?
Inferior dislocation Standard closed reduction of an inferior glenohumeral dislocation is contraindicated in the setting of humeral neck or shaft fractures or in the setting of suspected major vascular injury. The presence of these associated injuries necessitates surgical intervention/open reduction.
How do you fix a dislocated shoulder without surgery?
Immobilization and Icing Resting the shoulder and applying an ice pack reduces inflammation and eases pain. Doctors recommend using a sling or brace to immobilize the affected arm and shoulder for four to six weeks to allow the muscles and other soft tissues to rest and heal.
What happens if a dislocated shoulder goes untreated?
What Happens If a Dislocated Shoulder Is Left Untreated? An untreated shoulder dislocation will increase in pain and swelling. There will be a significant loss of shoulder mobility. Also, further damage to surrounding blood vessels and ligaments can occur.
Can a dislocated shoulder fix itself?
Can a dislocated shoulder heal on its own? One of the common questions people ask is if shoulder dislocations go away on their own. The short answer: no. Unless the humerus is popped back in by your doctor, you will continue to experience pain.
How do you reduce an anterior shoulder dislocation?
A Recipe for Reduction: Five alternative approaches for reducing an anterior shoulder dislocation 1 External Rotation Method. Figure 3: External Rotation Technique. 2 Milch Technique. 3 FARES Method (“FAst, REliable, Safe) Have the patient lie supine on the stretcher and stand on the affected side.
What is the Hennepin technique for shoulder dislocation?
The Hennepin technique uses external rotation, plus traction and abduction (Milch method variant) if necessary. This technique requires only one operator and can be done gently, sometimes without analgesia. (See also Overview of Shoulder Dislocation Reduction Techniques, Overview of Dislocations, and Shoulder Dislocations .)
What is the pathophysiology of anterior shoulder dislocation?
In most anterior dislocations, the humeral head is trapped outside and against the anterior lip of the glenoid fossa. Reduction techniques must distract the humeral head away from the lip and then return the humeral head into the fossa. Deficits of the axillary nerve are the most frequent nerve deficits with anterior shoulder dislocations.
How is a patient treated for a dislocated arm?
Place the patient prone on the stretcher with the affected arm hanging off the side and tie the patient’s hips to the stretcher with a restraining strap or bed sheet to prevent the patient from falling off the stretcher. Do a pre-procedure neurovascular examination of the affected arm, and repeat the examination after each reduction attempt.