Modified Cunningham Technique for Anterior Shoulder Dislocation

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.