Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Language
English
Publication Date
2-4-2026
Journal
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine
DOI
10.1177/10806032261417172
PMID
41637275
Abstract
Shoulder dislocations are prevalent on Earth and pose unique challenges in spaceflight and spaceflight training, particularly during extravehicular activities (EVAs). This case report describes a 50-year-old male who experienced an anterior shoulder dislocation while performing an emergency egress exercise in a SpaceX EVA suit. The report describes the medical thought process, the operational constraints, and the reduction techniques employed to achieve a successful shoulder reduction without fully removing or damaging the suit. NASA estimates a high likelihood of shoulder injuries during long-duration lunar missions, emphasizing the importance of suit designs and rescue protocols. Quick and effective medical intervention is crucial, as delays can lead to complications. This Earth-based case report provides some insight into reduction technique considerations for suited spaceflight operations in varying gravitational environments.
Keywords
EVA suit design, emergency medical care in space, extravehicular activity (EVA), human spaceflight medicine, shoulder dislocation, shoulder reduction techniques
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Beger, Samuel; Lowery, Curtis; Heft, Nicolas; et al., "A Case of Dislocation and Successful Reduction of a Right Anterior Shoulder Inside a Space Suit: Considerations for Future Protocols" (2026). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 3464.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthmed_docs/3464