198 patients with an initial anterior shoulder dislocation were randomized to receive one of two immobilization treatments for a period of 3 weeks. One group had their arm immobilized in the conventional internal rotation position while the other group had their arm immobilized in the external rotation position. The primary outcomes examined were recurrence of dislocation or subluxation. Results indicated that external rotation immobilization at 10 degrees had a lower risk of recurrence compared to internal rotation immobilization. Patients under 30 years old also showed particularly more benefit.