A 25-year-old rugby player presents with a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation. After confirming the diagnosis with X-rays and ruling out significant fractures, the physician decides to attempt closed reduction. Which of the following reduction techniques involves applying longitudinal traction to the arm while it is externally rotated and abducted, followed by internal rotation and adduction?

Explanation

Kocher's method is a commonly used closed reduction technique for anterior shoulder dislocations. It involves a sequence of maneuvers: 1) Gentle longitudinal traction on the forearm with the elbow flexed to 90 degrees. 2) Slow, steady external rotation of the arm. 3) Adduction of the arm across the chest. 4) Internal rotation of the arm, bringing the hand to the opposite shoulder. The description in the question accurately describes the key steps of Kocher's method. The Hippocratic method involves counter-traction with the foot in the axilla. Stimson's method involves hanging weights from the wrist while the patient is prone. Scapular manipulation involves rotating the scapula to facilitate reduction.