Efficacy of shoulder slings in shoulder subluxation of stroke patients

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of the two types of shoulder slings in reducing shoulder subluxation in acute stroke patients. Material and Method: Twenty-one acute stroke patients with shoulder subluxation were assessed for the subluxation distance before and after wearing the slings by physical examination and radiological measurement. The comparison by radiological measurement was performed by two radiologists who were blinded to each other as well as to the types of sling used. Results: The mean difference of subluxation distance on the affected side after wearing the slings number 1 and 2 were 0.48 mm and 1.14 mm respectively on physical examination and 2.09 mm and 1.14 mm respectively on radiological assessment. There was no statistically significant difference of subluxation distance on either physical examination or radiological assessment (p > 0.05). Conclusion: There was no difference in efficacy of shoulder slings in reducing shoulder subluxation in acute stroke patients.