An observational study in Shoulder Dislocation and Joint Dislocation, sponsored by Merian Iselin Klinik. Completed at 1 site in Switzerland. Open to participants aged 15 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-04-24.
Sponsored by Merian Iselin Klinik · Observational
Acute shoulder dislocation is a common and painful condition in the emergency department (ED). Procedural sedation is widely used to facilitate reduction but is associated with potential risks and resource use. Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia has emerged as an alternative approach.
This retrospective, monocentric observational study analyzes routinely collected clinical data from an orthopedic ED between February 2018 and February 2024. Adult patients with acute shoulder dislocation are included.
The study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and clinical implementation of low-volume (approximately 5 ml local anesthetic) ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block in the supraclavicular region. Outcomes include procedural success, block-related complications, and temporal trends reflecting the adoption of the technique over time.
Acute shoulder dislocation is a frequent orthopedic emergency requiring timely reduction. Procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) is commonly used but may be associated with risks and increased resource utilization. Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia of the brachial plexus represents an alternative approach that may allow effective reduction without systemic sedation.
This retrospective, monocentric observational study is based on routinely collected clinical data from the orthopedic emergency department of the Merian Iselin Klinik Basel, Switzerland, covering the period from February 2018 to February 2024. All eligible patients with acute shoulder dislocation were included.
During the study period, ultrasound-guided low-volume brachial plexus block in the supraclavicular region was progressively implemented as part of routine clinical practice. The technique used a standardized low-volume approach (approximately 5 ml local anesthetic).
The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this approach in a real-world setting, as well as to describe its implementation over time. Particular focus is placed on procedural success, block-related complications, and temporal trends reflecting increasing use and operator experience.
The study further explores the practical aspects of integrating this technique into routine emergency care, including its applicability across a broader group of physicians in a setting with rotating staff and limited case numbers.
The study is conducted in accordance with the Swiss Human Research Act (HRA) as a further use of health-related personal data without consent (Art. 34 HRA). All data are analyzed in coded form without additional interventions or patient contact.
105 studies on the registry are indexed under Shoulder Dislocation; 22 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 206 is above the median of 86 across 28 observational studies indexed under Shoulder Dislocation.
Browse Shoulder Dislocation studies →This is the only study on the registry with Merian Iselin Klinik as lead sponsor.
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Patients presenting with acute shoulder dislocation to a specialized orthopedic emergency department in a single-center setting.
The study population reflects routine clinical practice, including patients treated with ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block or alternative approaches.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Adult patients presenting with acute shoulder dislocation to the orthopedic emergency department between February 2018 and February 2024. Patients were treated according to routine clinical practice, including ultrasound-guided low-volume brachial plexus block or alternative approaches.
Procedure: Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block
Ultrasound-guided low-volume brachial plexus block performed in the supraclavicular region as part of routine clinical care for shoulder reduction. The technique was applied according to operator experience and evolving clinical practice over time.
Also known as: Low-volume nerve block, Supraclavicular approach
Successful shoulder reduction without procedural sedation
Proportion of patients in whom shoulder reduction was successfully achieved using ultrasound-guided low-volume brachial plexus block without conversion to procedural sedation or general anesthesia.
Time frame: During the emergency department visit
Block-related complications
Occurrence of complications associated with ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block as documented in routine clinical records.
Time frame: During the emergency department visit
Conversion to procedural sedation
Proportion of cases requiring conversion to procedural sedation after initial attempt with regional anesthesia.
Time frame: During the emergency department visit
Temporal trends in technique utilization
Change in the proportion of patients treated with ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block over time, reflecting adoption of the technique and increasing operator experience.
Time frame: February 2018 to February 2024
Plan to share: No — Data are not publicly available due to data protection regulations.
This study is completed, as verified in Apr 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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