To review closed reduction methods for anterior shoulder dislocation and perform the first comprehensive comparison of the individual methods in terms of success rate, pain, and reduction time.

We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials registered until December 31, 2020. We performed a pairwise and network meta-analysis using a Bayesian random-effects model. Two authors independently performed screening and risk-of-bias assessment.

We found 14 studies with 1,189 patients. In a pairwise meta-analysis, no significant difference was found in the only comparable pair, namely, the Kocher method versus the Hippocratic method (success rate: odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53, 2.75: pain during reduction [visual analog scale]: standard mean difference, −0.33; 95% CI, −0.69, 0.02; reduction time [minutes]: mean difference, 0.19, 95% CI, −1.77, 2.15). In network meta-analysis, FARES (Fast, Reliable, and Safe) was the only method significantly less painful than the Kocher method (mean difference, −4.0; 95% credible interval, −7.6, −0.40). In the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) plot of success rate, FARES, and the Boss–Holzach–Matter/Davos method showed high values. For pain during reduction, FARES had the highest SUCRA value in the overall analysis. In the SUCRA plot of reduction time, modified external rotation and FARES had high values. The only complication was 1 case of fracture with the Kocher method.

Overall, Boss–Holzach–Matter/Davos, and FARES demonstrated the most favorable value for success rates, whereas both FARES and modified external rotation were more favorable in reduction times. FARES had the most favorable SUCRA for pain during reduction. Future work directly comparing techniques is needed to better understand the difference in reduction success and complications.