The rates of joint dislocations have increased globally over the past 30 years, making them common injuries managed by athletic trainers.^1,2 Among these joint dislocations, the shoulder, patella, and interphalangeal joints are the most frequently affected.^3,4 Research indicates that immediate on-field reduction after an acute joint dislocation results in the best patient outcomes, reducing the risk of recurrence and minimizing the need for heavy sedation.^2,5 Since immediate reduction provides optimal outcomes, it is essential that athletic trainers are properly trained in a variety of reduction techniques and are provided opportunities to continually practice these skills.^3,4 While many athletic trainers have been taught reduction techniques by their supervising physician, high-fidelity task trainers can also be used to improve efficacy and reduce the time necessary for immediate reductions.^4,6,7 Given the importance of timely reduction, athletic trainers must have access to effective training methods that build and maintain proficiency in joint reduction techniques and to have ongoing opportunities to practice these skills.^2,3 

“The Immediate Impact of Ankle and Knee Injuries on Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescent Athletes: A Report From the Athletic Training Practice- Based Research Network” Lam and Marshall, page S-15, 2022. A common diagnosis reported in this study was patellar dislocation (5.1% of knee injuries). Adolescent athletes who suffer ankle and knee injuries report an immediate and negative impact on Health-Related Quality of Life, particularly in physical and emotional functioning.  

  

Shoulder dislocations are the most common type of joint dislocation treated in emergency departments (EDs) in the U.S. Shoulder dislocations can cause long-term pain, dysfunction, and decreased quality of life. This study provided an updated epidemiological report of ED visits for shoulder dislocations from 2007-2020. Of the reported sport-related shoulder dislocations, 93.3% of shoulder dislocations were classified as anterior dislocation,18.1% occurred in basketball, 15.3% in football, and 9.7% with biking.

“Practice Patterns of Athletic Trainers Regarding the On-Site Management of Patients with Joint Dislocations” Wright and Diede, 2021.                   

A significant number of athletic trainers (90%) have performed a closed reduction as part of the on-site management of joint dislocation. While many athletic trainers perform these techniques, the extent to which they were educated on the techniques varies. While 46.5% learned the techniques during their professional preparation, 64% were educated by their physician. In addition to the training differences, it should be noted that only 60% stated that closed-reductions were part of their standing orders.  

     

“Closed-Reduction Techniques for Glenohumeral-, Patellofemoral-, and Interphalangeal-Joint Dislocations” Wright et al., 2020.                  

Joint dislocations are acute injuries that athletic trainers should be trained to manage on the field. This article discusses a variety of different reduction techniques. Recommended reduction techniques for glenohumeral-joint dislocations include a) Boss-Holzach-Matter maneuver (Davos technique), b) external-rotation maneuver, c) Spaso technique, d) traction-counter traction (Matsen technique), e) scapular manipulation technique with one clinician, f) scapular manipulation technique with two clinicians, g) Stimson technique, h) beginning and end of the Fast, Reliable, and Safe (FARES) technique. Additionally, athletic trainers should gain proficiency in the reduction of patellofemoral joint dislocations. Reduction techniques for interphalangeal joint dislocations include a) exaggeration method and b) traction method. While there are a variety of different closed-reduction techniques that can be performed, it is essential that athletic trainers are appropriately trained and can identify the appropriate technique for each situation.   

     

“Outcomes of Immediate Reduction versus Delayed Management in Shoulder Dislocation” Alaffari et al., 2026.                   

When managing acute shoulder dislocation, immediate reduction produces the better patient outcomes, including decreased pain and easier reduction.   Delayed reduction was shown to cause increased pain, increased potential for neurological damage, and a higher likelihood of reduction failure. Additionally, in younger patients with a history of delayed reduction, there is a higher likelihood of recurrence.      

  

“Feasibility and Efficacy of Simulation Training for Joint Dislocation Management in Residency” Lefebvre et al., 2025.                 

  

“The Effects of a Joint Reduction Trainer on Confidence Levels in Professional Athletic Training Students” Franklin and Hacherl, 2025.                Dislocation trainers are commonly used by athletic training programs to educate students on how to evaluate and manage acute shoulder dislocations as many students are not exposed to shoulder reductions during their clinical training. The use of shoulder dislocation trainers increased students’ confidence in identifying shoulder dislocations but did not increase confidence in knowledge and skills.      

                           

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