Patient factors associated with unplanned sedation after intra-articular lidocaine for shoulder dislocation

Background

Recent evidence suggests that intra-articular lidocaine (IAL) is an appropriate analgesic alternative to intravenous sedation (IV sedation) during shoulder dislocation reduction, however little is known about patient factors associated with IAL failure and need for subsequent IV sedation. Avoiding crossover is important, as repeated reduction attempts have been previously shown to increase the rate of procedural complications.

Objectives

To identify patient level factors associated with crossover from IAL to IV sedation and associated complication rates and operational impacts.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study evaluated the patient characteristics associated with crossover to unplanned IV sedation after IAL among adult patients undergoing ED reduction of an isolated, acute anterior shoulder dislocation from 2013 to 2021 in an urban, academic hospital system. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used.

Results

In total, 630 participants were identified who received IAL or procedural sedation. Of these, 182 (28.9 ​%) received IAL of whom 49 (26.9 ​%) subsequently required unplanned IV sedation. Participants had 1.205 (95 ​% CI 1.030, 1.418) fold increase in odds of unplanned sedation for every 10-year increase in age. Crossover to IV sedation was associated with greater rates of adverse events, ED length of stay, and quantity of opioids received compared to either IAL or IV sedation alone.

Conclusions

Participants with unplanned IV sedation after IAL had more adverse events than those who received either method alone. Older age was associated with unplanned sedation after IAL. Prospective studies are needed to further define patient factors likely to contribute to failure of IAL.