Anterior dislocation of the shoulder. Experience with a modified clavicular harness.

There is a high incidence of recurrence after traumatic dislocation of the shoulder. In this study of 417 patients, we found that initial dislocation below the age of 30, dislocation with capsular detachment, dislocation without tuberosity fracture and a short period of fixation after reduction were predisposing factors. We have designed a modified clavicular harness and have used it in the treatment of 41 such high risk patients. We found no recurrences during an observation period of one year.