A new autoreduction method for anterior shoulder dislocation: the GONAIS method.

Although techniques for autoreduction of anterior shoulder dislocation have been developed, no reports have detailed an autoreduction method using the zero position and traction on the affected arm. Therefore, we developed a new autoreduction technique using the zero position and gentle autotraction. The objective of this study is to present our experience with a new method for autoreduction of anterior shoulder dislocation called the GONAIS (a backronym for “Grasp a waist-high object, Opposite arm assists, Nonsedated, Autoreduction/autotraction, Immobilize the grasped object, and Squatting and stooping”) method. A 41-year-old healthy woman with a history of left shoulder dislocation presented to the emergency department with left shoulder pain while attaching her seatbelt. The X-ray examination revealed subcoracoid dislocation of the left shoulder. The patient tried the GONAIS method after simple guidance and demonstration. Although she felt pain once when weakening traction, she achieved autoreduction successfully in only 2 min and 50 s. Clinical examination after autoreduction revealed normal neurovascular findings and appearance of the shoulder. The X-ray revealed glenohumeral joint reduction and no fracture. Here, our patient using the GONAIS method achieved shoulder autoreduction in a short time. The GONAIS method does not require lying down or sitting on the ground, does not necessarily require the opposite arm, and is minimally invasive. This method would likely be helpful for those who cannot quickly reach a hospital for treatment of anterior shoulder dislocation.