A Retrospective Study of 1076 Cases of Shoulder Dislocation at a Single Center in Türkiye to Evaluate the Role of Post-Reduction Radiography in the Detection of Clinically Significant Fractures.

BACKGROUND The role of post-reduction radiography in patients with shoulder dislocation remains controversial. Therefore, this retrospective study of 1076 cases of shoulder dislocation at a single center in Türkiye aimed to evaluate the role of post-reduction radiography in the detection of clinically significant fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with radiographically confirmed anterior shoulder dislocation were included in the study, and their demographic data, mechanism of injury, pre- and post-reduction radiograph readings, reduction method, and patient outcome were recorded. The study analyzed patients who had pre- and post-reduction anterior-posterior and axillary shoulder radiographs. RESULTS During the 44-month study period, a total of 1076 patients were examined, and their pre- and post-reduction radiographs were reviewed by an independent radiologist. Of these patients, 27 (2.6%) had a fracture on their pre-reduction radiographs, while 32 (3.1%) had a fracture on their post-reduction radiographs. The difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant (P=0.142). The study found that patients who did not undergo a post-reduction radiograph spent an average of 106 min in the emergency department, while patients who had the radiograph and were discharged spent an average of 237 min. The hospital stay of patients who had the radiograph was also significantly longer (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our study supports that routine use of post-reduction radiographs in all cases of anterior shoulder dislocation may not be necessary and could potentially expose patients to unnecessary radiation exposure and healthcare costs. Shortening the examination time in the emergency department by not taking a follow-up radiograph will help prevent overcrowding.