Intra-articular lidocaine versus intravenous sedation for the reduction of anterior shoulder dislocations in the emergency department

44 patients in the emergency department (ED) with an acute, anterior shoulder dislocation needing closed reduction were randomized to either receive intra-articular lidocaine (IAL) or intravenous sedation (IVS). There were no differences in the length of stay in the ED between the two groups. Patients in the IAL group were less satisfied and the rate of successful closed reductions was lower compared to the IVS group. It should be noted that the trial was stopped due to a combination of unexpected success outcomes, resource limitations, and difficulty with enrollment.