Immobilization in External Rotation of Acute Shoulder Dislocations

Inclusion Criteria: * skeletally mature patients less than 30 years of age * sustained an acute, first-time, traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder as defined by; i. Mechanism of abduction, external rotation ii. Sudden pain in the shoulder iii. Manipulative reduction required or iv. Radiograph documenting a dislocated joint * willing to participate in follow-up for at least two years Exclusion Criteria: * incompetent or unwilling to consent * inability or unwillingness to comply with rehabilitative protocol or required follow-up assessments * previous instability of the affected shoulder * significant associated fracture (exception Hill Sachs or Bankart lesions) * concomitant ipsilateral upper extremity injuries which may affect the patient's ability to participate in, or benefit from, a rehabilitative program * a history of significant ligamentous laxity or demonstrated multi-directional instability of the contralateral shoulder * neurovascular compromise of the affected limb * a medical condition making the patient unable to wear a brace or sling