One of the most common methods of anterior shoulder
reduction is the traction-countertraction method. This method
produces significant downward traction and raises concern
about whether the reduction technique itself contributes to
axillary nerve injuries. In a Yugoslavian study, 28 a high
incidence (50%) of nerve injury was seen after anterior
shoulder dislocation reduction utilizing the Kocher technique.
The authors surmised that the high incidence of nerve
injury could partly be explained by the reduction technique.
28 More gentle reduction techniques, such as scapular
manipulation, Milch's technique, or Stimson's technique,
may result in less frequent injury to the axillary nerve
following anterior shoulder dislocation, although this possibility
has not been studied.