THE TREATMENT OF OLD DISLOCATION OF THE SHOULDER

1. The pathological anatomy of old traumatic dislocation of the shoulder is reviewed and discussed. The dangers of late manipulation are cmphasized.2. The iadications for surgical treatment are outlined. Surgical interference is not advised for old dislocation of the shoulder if good function of the arm is present.3. The technique of open redaction is described and the alternativemethods of surgical treatment such as resection, arthroplasty and artbrodesis are mentioned.4. Fifteen cases of old traumatic dislocation of the shoulder (14 anterior and I posterior), treated by open operation, are reported. Open reduction was successful in 13 cases. In one case, resection of the head of the humerus was necessary because of fracture of the surgical neck during operation. In another case, the open reduction was not completed because of uncontrollable hemorrhage.5. Particular emphasis is placed upon the necessity for carefully applied and prolonged past-operative physiotherapeutie treatment.