Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College | 2026
Authors: Wahab A.; Ijaz O.; Riaz S.; Farhan M.; Shehzad F.
DOI: 10.37939/jrmc.v30i1.2890
Journal: Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College
Year: 2026
Publisher: Rawalpindi Medical University
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Cited by: 0
Objective: Anterior shoulder dislocation is a common orthopaedic emergency that requires prompt reduction. This study aimed to compare the mean reduction times of the scapular manipulation technique and Kocher’s method using a quasi-experimental design. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics at the Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital from September 2021 to March 2022. Patients aged 16–60 years presenting with acute anterior shoulder dislocation within 24 hours of injury were included. Participants were alternately allocated to either the Smith and Maas technique without sedation (Group A) or Kocher’s method under intravenous sedation and analgesia (Group B). Reduction time was recorded from the initiation of the manoeuvre to clinical confirmation. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22. Independent t-tests were used, and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 60 patients were included, with 30 in each group. The mean reduction time was significantly shorter in group A (2.7 ± 0.46 min) than in group B (4.13 ± 0.6 min; p = 0.000). Both techniques achieved a 100% success rate, with no complications observed. Conclusion: Both the SMT and Kocher’s methods are effective for reducing anterior shoulder dislocations. However, SMT was associated with significantly shorter reduction times and avoidance of the need for sedation, making it a practical option in emergency and resource-limited settings. © 2026 Wahab et al.
Kocher’s Method; Quasi-Experimental Study; Reduction Techniques; Scapular Manipulation; Shoulder Dislocation