Which shoulder reduction technique uses traction plus counter-traction to reduce a dislocated shoulder?

Which shoulder reduction technique uses traction plus counter-traction to reduce a dislocated shoulder?

• A. Modified hippocratic technique
• B. Milch technique
• C. Scapular manipulation technique
• D. External rotation technique

Answer: (A)

This question tests how different shoulder reduction techniques use forces to bring a dislocated head back into the socket. The method that explicitly applies traction along the arm while a counterforce is applied to stabilize the body fits the description of traction plus counter-traction. In the Modified Hippocratic technique, the clinician pulls on the arm to create forward and upward tension, while the opposite force is applied to the torso or axilla to provide counter-traction. This opposing force pair helps disengage the humeral head from the glenoid rim and guides it back into place. Other techniques rely on different mechanics. The Milch method uses gradual positioning and soft pressure to guide the head under the glenoid without a deliberate opposing force on the trunk. Scapular manipulation focuses on moving the scapula and adjusting shoulder girdle mechanics to realign the joint, not on a traction–counter-traction split. The external rotation method achieves reduction primarily through controlled rotation and gentle traction, but not a defined counter-traction against the torso. So the technique that employs traction plus counter-traction is the Modified Hippocratic technique.

This question tests how different shoulder reduction techniques use forces to bring a dislocated head back into the socket. The method that explicitly applies traction along the arm while a counterforce is applied to stabilize the body fits the description of traction plus counter-traction. In the Modified Hippocratic technique, the clinician pulls on the arm to create forward and upward tension, while the opposite force is applied to the torso or axilla to provide counter-traction. This opposing force pair helps disengage the humeral head from the glenoid rim and guides it back into place.

Other techniques rely on different mechanics. The Milch method uses gradual positioning and soft pressure to guide the head under the glenoid without a deliberate opposing force on the trunk. Scapular manipulation focuses on moving the scapula and adjusting shoulder girdle mechanics to realign the joint, not on a traction–counter-traction split. The external rotation method achieves reduction primarily through controlled rotation and gentle traction, but not a defined counter-traction against the torso.

So the technique that employs traction plus counter-traction is the Modified Hippocratic technique.