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Anterior shoulder dislocation — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyFractures/TraumaAnterior shoulder dislocationMCCQE Part 1

A 19-year-old man fell during hockey. Left shoulder pain and swelling. Arm held in slight abduction and external rotation. XR: anterior glenohumeral dislocation, no fracture. Most appropriate initial management?

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Correct answer: D — Closed reduction under procedural sedation

Anterior shoulder dislocation: prompt closed reduction with procedural sedation. Check axillary nerve pre/post-reduction. Young patients (<25): ~70% recurrence rate. MRI after reduction for labral tears.

Reference: Canadian Orthopaedic Association