Patients › Shoulder
肩关节弹响与不稳定
Why a shoulder clicks, pops or feels like it slips — from harmless noises to labral tears and instability — what it means, and when it needs attention.
您的感受¶
如果肩膀出现咔哒声或弹响的同时还伴有其他感觉,就值得认真对待。您可能会感到关节在不该滑动或移位的地方滑动或移位,或者有一种始终无法完全消失的松动感。有些人在睡觉时会感到肩膀不稳,或者在提购物袋等重物时感到疼痛。投掷可能变得困难,疼痛或无力还可能沿手臂向下放射,并伴有刺麻感。
疼痛通常位于肩膀深处。它常在活动后加重,尤其是手臂抬起并向外旋转的动作,或者手臂垂在身侧拿东西时。休息通常能缓解疼痛,但咔哒声和松动感可能仍然存在。举手过头、提重物和投掷是人们最常觉得困难的动作。如果肩膀以前确实脱位过,之后的疼痛可能很剧烈,周围的肌肉会痉挛收紧。
有几种情况需要立即采取行动,而不是等待。如果您的肩膀脱位后无法复位,请前往急诊科。如果它滑出后又自行复位,请致电诊所,以便我们为您诊治。如果受伤后手臂突然失去感觉或无法活动,也请当天前往急诊科就诊。如果症状没有缓解、在数周内逐渐加重,或在夜间把您痛醒,请去看全科医生或要求专科医生评估。
还有一点值得了解:反复脱位会随着时间推移增加肩关节发生关节炎的风险。在接受稳定修复手术后,即使出现关节炎,通常也很轻微,而且往往完全没有症状。
实际发生了什么¶
肩关节是人体活动度最大的关节,这种灵活性来自它的形状。关节窝很浅,大小只有它所容纳的球状关节头的三分之一左右。可以想象一个放在碟子上的高尔夫球,而不是放在杯中的球。关节窝边缘有一圈软骨环,称为盂唇,它使关节窝加深约 50%。即便如此,关节窝的深度在上下方向也只有约9毫米,在前后方向约为5毫米。
由于对合松弛,肩关节要依靠软组织来保持居中。关节囊是包绕关节的一层松弛的袖套,它与韧带协同工作,而韧带只有在活动范围的极限位置才会绷紧。在中间活动范围内,主要由肩袖肌肉和肱二头肌把关节头轻轻压入关节窝。它不太像一个合页,更像一组从不同方向牵拉、使帐篷杆保持直立的拉索。
当这组结构失去控制力时,就会出现不稳定。盂唇可能从关节窝边缘撕脱,或者关节囊和韧带可能被拉长,这常发生在一次脱位之后,或多年反复投掷或过头顶工作造成的劳损之后。一旦这些“拉索”松弛,关节头就可能向前、向后或向下滑动,然后才被重新稳住。这种滑动就是您感觉到的咔哒声或弹响,而上文描述的滑动感或松动感也是同一个问题的表现。
有些人天生关节松弛,他们的整个关节囊可能过于松弛,这就是为什么不稳定的感觉可能在完全没有受伤的情况下出现。当肩膀确实发生过脱位时,关节头在被撬过关节窝边缘时可能被压出一个凹陷,而这个凹陷会使再次滑脱的可能性增加。反复脱位还会随着时间推移增加发生关节炎的风险,不过在接受稳定修复手术后,即使出现关节炎,通常也很轻微,而且往往没有症状。
我们可以采取的措施¶
Dr Kieran Hirpara是Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton的上肢外科医生,他会从适合您病情的创伤最小的方案开始。对大多数人来说,这意味着首先进行物理治疗。物理治疗旨在加强肩袖(即把关节头保持在关节窝中央的一组肌肉),并重新训练肩胛骨的活动以及肩膀对自身空间位置的感知。对于向多个方向滑动的关节松弛型肩膀,要先尝试物理治疗 6 到 9 个月,之后才会考虑手术。之后仍有约 20% 的人感到肩膀不稳,对他们来说,手术就成为一个选择。对于能够故意让肩膀滑出关节的人,或者尚未尝试过物理治疗的人,我们不会提供手术。
如果肩膀是在一次受伤后滑出关节的,可能需要用吊带让手臂制动一小段时间,然后进行物理治疗。在肌肉恢复期间,我们也可能会请您调整那些给肩膀造成负担的活动,例如提重物或投掷。
患者通常由全科医生转诊到我们诊所;如果是物理治疗师建议您来看我们,您仍然需要全科医生的转诊信,才能享受Medicare报销。首次就诊时,我们会了解您的病史,检查您的肩膀,并在需要时安排影像检查。普通 X 光片通常就能提供我们所需的大部分信息,其中包括一个在手臂抬起时拍摄的特殊体位片,可以显示关节头是否位于关节窝中央。如果磁共振(MRI,可显示盂唇和肩袖等软组织)等扫描会改变治疗计划,我们才会安排。
如果物理治疗未能带来足够改善,可以考虑手术。稳定手术的目的是修复撕裂的盂唇或收紧被拉长的关节囊,使关节头保持在关节窝中央。有些肩膀需要通过关节镜(微创)手术进行修复,另一些则需要开放手术,选择哪种方式取决于关节内的情况,包括关节窝边缘缺失了多少骨质。我们会和您一起讨论哪种方式适合您的肩膀,并由您与我们共同作出决定。
预期情况¶
不稳定很少会自行好转并一直保持稳定。有些人的松动感时好时坏,在活动后加重,休息后减轻。另一些人则发现,一旦肩膀滑出过关节,就往往会反复发生。每一次新的发作都可能进一步拉长软组织,这就是为什么如果不加处理,问题往往会越来越严重,而不是逐渐好转。
如果不治疗,预后取决于不稳定的类型。通过物理治疗处理的关节松弛型肩膀常常会有所改善,不过有些人之后仍然感到不稳。受伤后滑出关节的肩膀更有可能反复滑出。如上文所述,反复脱位还会随着时间推移增加发生关节炎的风险。
经过稳定修复手术,大多数肩膀能保持居中。对于反复发作的不稳定,在接受关节镜修复后,29 个肩膀中有 25 个效果极好,另有 2 个效果良好,在 2 到 3 年内有 1 个肩膀再次滑脱。这个肩膀在再次接受关节镜手术后得到了稳定。对于向多个方向滑动的肩膀,效果则参差不齐:有些修复效果很好,而另一些肩膀仍不断滑脱,手术没有达到目的。关节窝边缘一圈都有大范围撕裂的肩膀更难稳定,约 19% 的人在 2 年后仍感到不稳,约 8% 的人需要再次手术。
恢复是逐步的,而不是立竿见影的。肩膀会先制动一小段时间,然后在物理治疗师的指导下进行物理治疗,重建力量和控制力。大多数人能保持活动度:在一组患者中,61% 的人活动度与对侧手臂完全相同,其余的人只损失了少量外旋。严格遵循物理治疗计划很重要,因为如果过早对肩膀施加过大的负荷,修复可能会失败。
如果修复后的肩膀仍不断滑脱,可以进一步手术,而且往往有帮助。如果您已经接受过稳定修复手术,现在注意到有咔哒声,但没有任何松脱的感觉,那么单凭这种声音通常并不表示修复已经失败。
何时就医¶
有些情况需要立即就医。如果您的肩膀脱位后无法复位,请前往急诊科。如果它滑出后又自行复位,请致电诊所,以便我们为您诊治。如果您联系不上诊所,请前往最近的急诊科。如果受伤后手臂突然失去感觉或无法活动,请当天前往急诊科就诊。
如果症状没有缓解、在数周内逐渐加重、在夜间把您痛醒,或使您无法工作或使用手臂,请去看全科医生或要求专科医生评估。如果咔哒声伴有关节滑动或松脱的感觉、不仅仅是疼痛而是真正的无力,或者有卡住的感觉以致活动确实受阻,请要求进行评估。年轻人受伤后肩膀疼痛,即使从未感觉到关节脱出,也值得接受检查。
深入探讨¶
Advanced reading: the deeper science (optional)
本节的内容超出了您为自身治疗做决定所需了解的范围。肩膀的咔哒声和弹响值得额外阅读,因为它是一种症状而不是诊断,而最有用的一点是要弄清楚:这种声音是否伴有关节在不该移动的地方移动的感觉。
仅有声音通常不是问题¶
肩膀发出咔哒声、弹响或摩擦声,但没有疼痛、没有无力,也没有打软腿般的松脱感,这种情况很常见,通常并不意味着有损伤。肌腱会在骨嵴上滑动,关节囊会折叠和展开,关节液中的气体也会移动。这些都不需要治疗。
这一点之所以重要,是因为声音引起的担忧往往与其实际意义不成比例,而对一个无痛的弹响肩膀做影像检查,常常会发现一些问题,比如与年龄相符的盂唇磨损、部分肩袖改变,然后这些发现就被当成了弹响的原因。肩袖方面的文献具体说明了这一点:在没有症状的人群中,肩袖异常非常常见,常见到可以被视为正常衰老的特征,这使得人们确实很难判断某个发现是新出现的,还是真正的病因 [1]。
区分不同情况的关键问题¶
改变评估结果的是:这种声音是否伴有关节移位、滑动或松脱的感觉,手臂抬起并向外旋转时的恐惧感,肩膀曾经脱出的经历,或者持续的松弛感。
这些表现组合在一起,提示存在不稳定。不稳定是一种结构性问题,有其自身的证据、决策要点和治疗方法:骨缺损与软组织损伤之间的权衡、Hill-Sachs损伤是否会嵌卡,以及在修复术、remplissage(填充术)和骨块转移术之间的选择。这些内容在肩关节不稳定页面中有深入介绍,这里不再重复。
第二种值得识别的组合是声音伴有真正的无力或明显的肌肉萎缩,这提示问题完全不在关节面,而在肩袖或神经。
为什么稳定手术后的无痛弹响又有所不同¶
如果您做过肩关节不稳定手术,肩膀出现弹响是常见的担忧来源。值得了解的是:关节镜下Bankart修复术后,出现任何程度关节炎改变的肩膀占60%,出现中度至重度改变的占28%,而且这些改变通常没有症状,与已知的风险因素之间也没有发现显著的相关性 [2]。
因此,在一个曾经接受过稳定手术的肩膀中,如果出现机械性的声音但没有不稳定症状,这更多是反映关节经历过一些变化,而不是手术失败的迹象。
真正值得报告的情况¶
有三个特征会改变评估结果,值得特别提出:关节移动或松脱的感觉;真正的无力,而不是因疼痛而不敢用力;以及实际阻碍活动的锁住或卡住,而不仅仅是发出声音。
如果肩膀功能正常,出现弹响但没有上述任何一种情况,那么最有用的做法是给予解释,而不是进行检查。
参考文献¶
[1] Teunis T, Lubberts B, Reilly BT, Ring D. A systematic review and pooled analysis of the prevalence of rotator cuff disease with increasing age. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(12):1913-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2014.08.001
[2] Yeo MH, Seah SJ, Ang G, Arce G, Lie D. Prevalence and risk factors for the development of glenohumeral osteoarthritis following arthroscopic Bankart repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2025;34(12):e1224-e1233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2025.03.011
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Overview¶
Natural History and Epidemiology¶
- A study followed 573 cases of atraumatic shoulder instability for 3 years or more [5].
Anterior Instability¶
- The ideal candidate for an isolated soft-tissue procedure in anterior shoulder instability presents with minimal glenoid bone loss of 13.5% [19].
- In a prospective study of 29 shoulders with a minimum of 26 months’ follow-up (mean, 36 months), arthroscopic repair for recurrent anterior shoulder instability resulted in 25 excellent results, 2 good results, 1 fair result, and 1 poor result due to recurrence of instability [16].
- Arthroscopic management of a failed anterior instability repair provides similar success to open reconstruction when proper indications are selected [59].
- The Bristow-Latarjet procedure was associated with significantly higher rates of full return to sport than Bankart repairs in anterior shoulder instability [69].
- Patient-reported outcomes decline over time following arthroscopic Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability [24].
- Four cases of subscapularis tendon repair failure after Bankart reconstruction for anterior instability demonstrate the need for a well-supervised postoperative protocol with patient compliance [165].
- The arthroscopic subscapular sling procedure is proposed as an alternative to existing surgical treatment options for recurrent anterior shoulder instability [39].
- Nine of 13 open anterior capsular reconstruction procedures using a tibialis anterior allograft for chronic instability were successful, with no clinical evidence for instability [40].
- The arthroscopic Trillat procedure resulted in a stable and functional shoulder in 96% (20/21) of patients with recurrent anterior instability associated with massive irreparable cuff, with no patient losing active shoulder motion [6].
- Data on anterior labral reconstruction with biceps autograft for anterior shoulder instability are inadequate to report on clinical results and recurrent instability risk due to a small number of patients [73].
- Rates of recurrent instability in published reports are generally higher with arthroscopic stabilization than with other methods [22].
Posterior Instability¶
- In 8 / 9 shoulders (89%), both subjective symptoms and objective posterior instability were improved following surgical treatment for recurrent posterior glenohumeral instability [2].
- Retroglenoid osteotomy with capsular shift for posterior shoulder instability showed clinical improvements in all patients, with complete resolution of instability symptoms and radiological correction of glenoid retroversion [3].
- A single-portal arthroscopic posterior capsulorrhaphy technique offers an efficient, reproducible procedure to address posterior shoulder instability pathology [17].
- The “Pinch-and-Tuck” arthroscopic technique for capsular plication effectively and safely addresses capsular laxity in patients with posterior shoulder instability [167].
Multidirectional and Bidirectional Instability¶
- Open capsular shift with Achilles allograft augmentation for multidirectional shoulder instability demonstrated low rates of recurrent instability and improved clinical outcomes in patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome [11].
- For each of 4 patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment of bidirectional glenohumeral instability, the index operation was considered a failure because of persistent instability [15].
Panlabral Tears and Complex Instability¶
- At 2 years, 19.1% of patients with 270-360 degree panlabral tears experienced instability and 7.9% underwent reoperation for instability or dislocation [4].
Salvage and Revision Procedures¶
- Shoulder arthrodesis is a viable salvage procedure for patients with refractory shoulder instability [18].
- The short-term outcome of arthroscopic revision surgery in shoulder instability is challenging and encouraging [21].
- Accurate identification of the mechanism of instability is essential for guiding management of dislocated reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, but outcomes remain variable and recurrent instability continues to be a major challenge [8].
- An arthroscopic free bone block transfer technique using iliac crest autograft with anchor-button fixation attempts to reduce recurring instability and improve long-term outcomes for patients with glenohumeral instability accompanying glenoid bone loss [23].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶
Bony Anatomy¶
- The glenoid cavity is a shallow socket approximately one-third the size of the humeral head [77].
- The glenoid is a convex structure of shallow depth shaped like an inverted pear [76].
- The subchondral bone of the glenoid is relatively flat, with articular concavity augmented by cartilage and a circumferential labrum [78].
- The glenoid averages 5° of retroversion in relation to the axis of the scapular body [78].
- The humeral head is spherical with a diameter of 37 to 57 mm [76].
- The humeral head averages 19° of retroversion and 41° of inclination (neck-shaft angle) [78].
- The humeral head is retroverted an average of 30 degrees relative to the transepicondylar axis of the humerus [87].
- The articular surface of the humeral head is essentially spherical with an arc of approximately 160 degrees covered by articular cartilage [85].
- The radius of curvature of the humeral head is approximately 25 mm and is slightly larger in men than in women [85].
- The glenoid articular surface radius of curvature is 2 to 3 mm larger than that of the humeral head [85].
- The average neck-shaft angle is 45 degrees (±5 degrees), with a range of 30 to 50 degrees [85].
- The superior margin of the humeral head articular surface is normally superior to the top of the greater tuberosity by 8 to 10 mm [85].
- The distance from the lateral base of the coracoid process to the lateral margin of the greater tuberosity is called the lateral humeral offset [85].
- The glenoid labrum increases the depth of the socket by 50% around the humeral head [86].
- The glenoid articular surface and labrum combine to create a socket approximately 9 mm deep in the superoinferior direction and 5 mm deep in the anteroposterior direction [86].
- Adding the glenoid labrum increases the glenoid surface to 75% of the humeral head vertically and 57% horizontally [86].
- The labrum is a fibrous ring attaching to the glenoid articular cartilage through a narrow fibrocartilaginous transition zone [12].
- Above the glenoid equator, the labrum is relatively more mobile, while below the equator, it is more tightly attached to the glenoid articular cartilage [12].
- Labral morphology does not compensate for reduced bony glenoid concavity in clinically stable shoulders [102].
- A bony defect of the posterior-superior aspect of the humeral head (Hill–Sachs lesion) is a common injury associated with anterior glenohumeral dislocation [13].
- The incidence of Hill–Sachs lesions in initial anterior dislocations is between 32 and 51% [13].
- In shoulders with a Hill–Sachs lesion at the initial dislocation, there is a statistically significant association with recurrent dislocation [13].
- An engaging Hill-Sachs lesion is defined as one where the long axis of the defect is parallel to the anterior glenoid in a functional position of abduction and external rotation, causing the lesion to engage the corner of the glenoid [117].
- A nonengaging Hill-Sachs lesion presents with the long axis of its defect at a diagonal, nonparallel angle to the anterior glenoid in a functional position, or engages only in nonfunctional positions such as extension or low abduction (<70°) [117].
- Patients with bony abnormalities such as glenoid dysplasia may suffer from posterior shoulder instability even without a history of trauma [51].
Soft Tissue Stabilizers¶
- Static stability is provided by capsuloligamentous structures, the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and the biceps muscle [12].
- In midranges of rotation, most joint stability is provided through the dynamic action of the rotator cuff and biceps tendons via concavity compression of the humeral head within the glenoid socket [12].
- Ligamentous structures function at extreme positions of rotation, preventing excessive rotation and translation [12].
- The superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL) is a primary static restraint against anterior translation with the arm at the side [78].
- With the coracohumeral ligament, the SGHL forms a pulley that provides restraint against medial subluxation of the long head of the biceps tendon [78].
- The middle glenohumeral ligament (MGHL) is a primary static restraint against anterior translation with the arm in external rotation and 45° of abduction [78].
- The anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (AB-IGHL) is a primary static restraint against anterior-inferior dislocation in 90° of abduction and external rotation [78].
- The posterior band of the IGHL (PB-IGHL) is a primary static restraint against posterior-inferior translation in internal rotation and adduction [78].
- The coracohumeral ligament restricts external rotation in adduction and is a static restraint to inferior and posterior translation in adduction and external rotation [78].
- The MGHL is absent in up to 30% of shoulders [87].
- The rotator interval is defined medially by the base of the coracoid, superiorly by the supraspinatus tendon, and inferiorly by the subscapularis tendon [78].
- Laxity of the rotator interval results in inferior laxity (the sulcus sign) [78].
- The shoulder capsule is large and has twice the surface area of the humeral head [89].
- The shoulder capsule typically accepts approximately 28 to 35 mL of fluid [89].
- In patients with adhesive capsulitis, the shoulder capsule accepts only 5 mL or less of fluid [89].
- In patients with considerable laxity or instability, the shoulder capsule can accept larger volumes of fluid [89].
- The coracohumeral ligament originates from the base and lateral border of the coracoid process and inserts on the greater tuberosity [89].
- The coracohumeral ligament appears to have a static suspensory function for the humeral head in the glenoid cavity when the arm is in the dependent position [89].
- With abduction, the coracohumeral ligament relaxes and loses its ability to support the humerus [89].
- The transverse humeral ligament consists of transverse fibers of capsule extending between the greater and lesser tuberosities to contain the long head of the biceps tendon [89].
- The inferior glenohumeral ligament is composed of a thick anterior band, a less thick posterior band, and a thinner intervening axillary pouch creating a hammock-type sling [86].
- With external rotation, the hammock slides anteriorly and superiorly, tightening the anterior band and fanning out the posterior band [86].
- The anteroinferior glenohumeral ligament complex is the main stabilizer to anterior and posterior stresses when the shoulder is abducted 45 degrees or more [86].
- The SGHL is the primary restraint to inferior humeral subluxation in 0 degrees of abduction and the primary stabilizer to anterior and posterior stress in that position [86].
- The MGHL limits external rotation when the arm is in the lower and middle ranges of abduction but has little effect at 90 degrees of abduction [86].
- Rotator cuff activity and biceps activity stiffen the capsule and decrease glenohumeral translation [86].
- The force couple involving the subscapularis and posterior rotator cuff provides a compressive force that centers the humeral head in the glenoid cavity [86].
- The tendons of the infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscles join approximately 15 mm proximal to their insertion [86].
- The supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons join as a sheath that surrounds the biceps tendon at the entrance of the bicipital groove [86].
- The coracoacromial ligament contributes to anterosuperior stability in rotator cuff deficiency [87].
- The coracoacromial ligament is the arthroscopic landmark for a complete release of the rotator interval for adhesive capsulitis [87].
Pathophysiology of Instability¶
- Anterior shoulder instability is caused by humeral and glenoid detachment of the anterior inferior glenohumeral ligament [1].
- The evolution of lesions in posttraumatic anterior shoulder instability follows a chronologic classification based on dynamic pathophysiologic reasoning [7].
- Multidirectional instability (MDI) is characterized by inferior laxity in addition to anterior and/or posterior laxity [25].
- Two commonly associated anatomic lesions in MDI are a patulous inferior capsule containing both bands of the IGHL and functional deficiency of the rotator interval [25].
- Labral tearing may occur with repeated subluxations or a traumatic event in MDI [25].
- The cause of MDI appears to be multifactorial, with biochemical and biomechanical abnormalities present in affected shoulders [45].
- MDI of the shoulder is a complex entity characterized by symptomatic global laxity of the glenohumeral joint [120].
- Posterior shoulder instability (PSI) is defined by dynamic, recurrent and symptomatic partial or total loss of posterior joint contact [14].
- The etiology of PSI is often multifactorial, resulting from acute traumatic events, atraumatic causes, and repetitive microtrauma [51].
- Repetitive microtrauma is the most prevalent inciting cause of PSI in athletes [51].
- Repeated stress on the glenohumeral joint can tear or stretch the posterior capsule, eventually resulting in persistent PSI [51].
- Postero-inferior shoulder instability is associated with capsular laxity and well-defined pathological lesions of the gleno-labral concavity [27].
- Patients with rotator cuff tearing demonstrate abnormal glenohumeral kinematics with superior translation of the humeral head in the scapular plane [98].
- During planar motions, changes are evident in both the serratus anterior and supraspinatus muscle activity in the unstable glenohumeral joint [103].
- The least displacement in posterior instability was obtained by infraspinatus loading in the hanging position and by subscapularis loading at 90° flexion [114].
- Injuries to the thrower’s shoulder occur most commonly in the late cocking or early acceleration phases [108].
- Typical sites of pathoanatomy in the throwing shoulder include the superior and posterosuperior labrum, the articular surface of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, and the posterior capsule [108].
- A combination of abnormal scapulothoracic and glenohumeral motion can injure the superior and posterosuperior labrum as well as the undersurface of the rotator cuff and posterior capsule [108].
- Human throwing capabilities largely result from derived anatomical features that enable elastic energy storage and release at the shoulder [99].
- The Bennett lesion, located on or close to the glenoid, can contribute to the dynamic stability of the shoulder as a physiological reaction in functional positions [123].
- Proper capsular ligament length can be restored with manual techniques, and capsular ligament length assessment is recommended for patients with shoulder pain to ensure proper glenohumeral mechanics [127].
- Increasing literature connects the morphology of the acromion with shoulder instability [128].
Classification¶
Etiology and Pathophysiology¶
- The normal stabilizing structures of the glenohumeral joint include capsuloligamentous structures, the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and the biceps muscle [12].
- In midranges of rotation, most joint stability is provided by the dynamic action of the rotator cuff and biceps tendons through concavity compression of the humeral head within the glenoid socket [12].
- Ligamentous structures function at only the extreme positions of rotation, preventing excessive rotation and translation [12].
- The cause of multidirectional instability appears to be multifactorial, with biochemical and biomechanical abnormalities present in affected shoulders [45].
- A bony defect of the posterior-superior aspect of the humeral head, known as a Hill–Sachs lesion, is a common injury associated with anterior glenohumeral dislocation [13].
- The incidence of Hill–Sachs lesions in initial anterior dislocations has been shown to be between 32 and 51% [13].
- A certain subset of patients with more significant bony defects experiences ongoing symptoms of instability and/or painful clicking, catching, or popping, sometimes even after surgical procedures directed at treating anterior instability [13].
- Rowe and coworkers found a 76% incidence of Hill–Sachs lesions in patients evaluated for recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder after surgical repair [13].
- A shallow Hill-Sachs lesion was indicative of a greater degree of anterior instability of the shoulder [64].
- Posterior shoulder instability is a poorly understood clinical problem that includes a spectrum of disorders ranging from recurrent posterior subluxation to uncommon locked posterior dislocation [28].
- Posterior instability involving a large anteromedial humeral head impression defect, frequently called a reverse Hill–Sachs defect or a McLauglin impression lesion, is traumatic in etiology and typically includes chronic locked dislocations [28].
- The majority of posterior dislocations are not associated with sizeable humeral head lesions, especially in cases that spontaneously reduce or are acutely reduced [28].
- Shoulder instability appeared to produce only relatively discrete glenoid-side changes, with healed rim lesions anteriorly and posteriorly presenting as a localized, "natural" bone block [30].
- Bony evidence of instability is more common than the reporting of clinical cases [30].
- The prevalence of bony evidence of instability in a population group was 5.4%, which is higher than generally recognized clinically [30].
- Posterior pathologic conditions were demonstrated in a much higher proportion than is usually seen [30].
- Statistical reports suggest that posterior dislocations compose from 1.5% to 3.8% of all shoulder dislocations [30].
Classification Schemes and Definitions¶
- There are 3 types of posterior instability: acute posterior dislocation, chronic locked dislocation, and recurrent posterior subluxation or dislocation [28].
- In the literature, the distinction between an acute and chronic dislocation ranges from as little as 24 hours to as late as 6 months [28].
- Chronic dislocation is defined as an unrecognized posterior dislocation more than 3 weeks old [28].
- Success with closed reduction of a posterior dislocation dramatically decreases beyond 3 weeks, and the risk of iatrogenic proximal humerus fracture is significant [28].
- A chronologic classification for posttraumatic anterior shoulder instability was formulated based on dynamic pathophysiologic reasoning rather than cataloging complex descriptions of multiple arthroscopic findings [7].
- The trauma-instability-voluntarism classification is useful to compare pathogenesis and results of treatment in patients with glenohumeral instability [135].
- Instability is classified by etiology, frequency, direction, and magnitude of translational movement [153].
- Current classifications exhibit poor reliability in categorizing glenoid defects post-reverse shoulder arthroplasty removal [145].
- Many classification schemes for posterior instability have been proposed which further confound treatment decision-making [28].
Diagnostic Correlations¶
- In 20 shoulders (87%), findings of the anterior labrum in MR arthrography and arthroscopy accorded [9].
- Cine MRI is a reproducible technique to evaluate normal capsular attachments to the glenoid and confirms diagnosis of anterior and posterior shoulder instability [53].
- Coracoid morphology differs significantly in patients undergoing posterior shoulder stabilization when compared to patients undergoing surgery for anterior instability or a comparison cohort [148].
- Antero-inferior glenohumeral instability is associated with an abnormal position of the coracoid process [44].
Clinical Presentation¶
History and Symptoms¶
- Symptoms of multidirectional instability include pain, weakness, ipsilateral paresthesias, popping or clicking of the shoulder, instability during sleep, difficulty with throwing, and pain when carrying heavy objects [25].
- Posterior shoulder instability is defined by dynamic, recurrent and symptomatic partial or total loss of posterior joint contact [14].
- Posterior shoulder instability is a pathologic state that arises when a patient has pain and/or dysfunction that occurs when the humeral head repeatedly translates posteriorly on the glenoid [48].
- Patients with significant bony defects may experience ongoing symptoms of instability and/or painful clicking, catching, or popping, sometimes even after surgical procedures directed at treating anterior instability [13].
- Shoulder instability can be a presenting symptom and sign of syringomyelia [143].
- Weakness of muscle was one of the main causes of shoulder instability in cases of progressive muscular dystrophy [146].
- In most cases, posttraumatic recurrent shoulder pain is caused by symptomatic glenohumeral instability [56].
- The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) includes items assessing clicking, cracking or snapping, feeling of instability or looseness, and fear of falling on the shoulder [52].
- The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) includes items assessing clicking, grinding or crunching in the shoulder [124].
Physical Examination¶
- A positive sulcus sign assesses the competency of the rotator interval in the evaluation of multidirectional instability [25].
- Rotator cuff tendinitis in an individual younger than 20 years should raise concern for multidirectional instability [25].
- The history for shoulder instability should define the mechanism of injury, including the position of the arm, the amount of force applied, and the point of force application [111].
- Injury with the arm in extension, abduction, and external rotation favors anterior dislocation [111].
- Electoshock, seizures, or a fall on the flexed and adducted arm are commonly associated with posterior dislocation [111].
- An acutely dislocated shoulder is usually very painful, with muscles in spasm in an attempt to stabilize the joint [111].
- In an anteriorly dislocated shoulder, the humeral head may be palpable anteriorly and the posterior and lateral aspect of the shoulder shows a hollow beneath the acromion [111].
- The arm is held in slight abduction in an acutely anteriorly dislocated shoulder [111].
- Assessment of the neurovascular status of the upper extremity is an essential part of the physical examination of an anteriorly dislocated shoulder before reduction [111].
- Recognition of a posterior dislocation may be impaired by the lack of a striking deformity and the fact that the shoulder is held in the traditional sling position of adduction and internal rotation [111].
- Classic features of a posterior dislocation include limited external rotation of the shoulder, often to less than 0 degrees [111].
- Classic features of a posterior dislocation include limited elevation of the arm, often to less than 90 degrees [111].
- Classic features of a posterior dislocation include posterior prominence and rounding of the shoulder in comparison to the normal side [111].
- Classic features of a posterior dislocation include flattening of the anterior aspect of the shoulder [111].
- Classic features of a posterior dislocation include prominence of the coracoid process on the dislocated side [111].
- Asymmetry of the shoulder contours can often best be visualized by viewing the shoulders from above while standing behind the patient [111].
- In old, unreduced posterior dislocations, patients can have 30 to 40 degrees of glenohumeral abduction and some humeral rotation as a result of enlargement of the groove [111].
- Long-standing disuse of the muscles about the shoulder in posterior dislocation leads to atrophy that accentuates the flattening of the anterior portion, prominence of the coracoid, and fullness of the posterior portion [111].
- Posterior dislocation may be misdiagnosed as a frozen shoulder in the interval before diagnosis is made [111].
- Clinical examination and fluoroscopic findings for glenohumeral joint laxity were reproducible and identical in 19 patients [113].
- Ultrasonographic findings for glenohumeral joint laxity were poorly reproducible and concurred with clinical examination results in only 4 patients [113].
- Glenohumeral joint laxity should be evaluated before the operation by clinical and fluoroscopic examinations [113].
- A "no touch" approach to physical examination involves asking the patient to show which actions are difficult for the shoulder and what they feel is happening when performing these actions [43].
- Tangible findings sought during physical examination include loss of passive or active range of motion, a palpable defect in the rotator cuff, minimal resistance to anterior translation of the humeral head, palpable subacromial crepitus, muscle atrophy, loss of the biceps reflex, or an obvious "clunk" on cross-body adduction [43].
- A thorough clinical exam is the most important factor when determining indication for shoulder instability surgery [34].
- Clinical examination for dynamic posterior shoulder instability should assess range of motion in multiple planes, documenting forward elevation, external and internal rotation, and abduction [140].
- Particular attention during clinical examination for dynamic posterior instability should be given to posterior subluxation or dislocation occurring during forward elevation [140].
- The evaluation of a patient suspected of having a bony Bankart lesion begins with a comprehensive history including the mechanism of injury, direction of force applied, direction of perceived instability, history of previous dislocations, whether manual reduction has ever been required, and any history of surgery for shoulder instability [29].
- In throwers, pain during cocking is often a result of instability or internal impingement with a type II SLAP lesion [132].
- In throwers, pain during follow-through arises from rotator cuff or posterior capsular problems [132].
- Symptoms elicited with the arm in adduction and internal rotation may suggest posterior instability [132].
- Symptoms reproduced by holding objects with the arms at the sides often indicate inferior instability [132].
- Physical examinations successfully detected 37 of 41 labral tears with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 85% [139].
- MR studies identified only 25 of 41 labral tears with a sensitivity of 61% and specificity of 85% [139].
- A significantly positive sulcus sign (greater than or equal to 2 cm) with greater than 50% anterior and posterior subluxation of the humeral head over the glenoid rim suggests the need for a modified inferior capsular shift [47].
- The axial load test or load-and-shift test is conducted during examination under anesthesia to note translation in the anterior, inferior, and posterior directions [134].
- Grade 1+ instability corresponds to the translation of the humeral head to the edge of the glenoid [134].
- Grade 2+ instability corresponds to the humeral head being subluxated over the glenoid rim but reducing spontaneously [134].
- Grade 3+ instability corresponds to a frank dislocation of the humeral head over the glenoid rim that does not reduce spontaneously [134].
- An examination under anesthesia is more sensitive for determining both the degree and direction of instability than a standard physical examination [134].
- Risk factors associated with treatment failure include age, gender, presence of osseous Bankart, large Hill-Sachs lesions, participation in competitive collision or forced overhead sports, hypermobility, time lapse between dislocation and reduction, and the number of instability episodes prior to operation [134].
- MRI has proven to be useful in identifying capsulolabral avulsions (HAGL and reverse HAGL lesions) and rotator cuff pathology [134].
- Plain radiography is able to capture any substantial bone loss on the glenoid and humerus [134].
- Computed tomography allows for a more precise quantification of bone loss than plain radiography [134].
- A 1.5-mm osseous lesion corresponds to 5% glenoid bone loss [134].
- Glenoid bone loss greater than 18% to 25% of the glenoid surface area increases risk of failure of nonoperative and operative management that does not address the bone loss [134].
- Recent analysis suggests 18% bone loss as the threshold for concern in bipolar lesions [134].
- Unacceptably low Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) scores were observed in a series of high demand military personnel following arthroscopic Bankart repair when anteroinferior glenoid bone loss was greater than 13.5% [134].
- Approximately 20% to 25% of patients with instability undergoing arthroscopy have associated loose bodies, rotator cuff tears, biceps tendon pathology, or SLAP lesions [134].
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion in young patients presenting with traumatic shoulder pain, even in the absence of perceived instability [55].
- There is a statistically significant association between a Hill–Sachs lesion at the initial dislocation and recurrent dislocation [13].
- The focal cortical bone loss at the inferior aspect of the glenoid was found exclusively in shoulders with recurrent anterior instability [57].
- In another 20 shoulders (87%), both findings of the anterior labrum in MR arthrography and arthroscopy accorded [9].
- The statistical analysis of different anatomic lesions led to the formulation of a chronologic classification based on dynamic pathophysiologic reasoning rather than cataloging complex descriptions of multiple arthroscopic findings [7].
- There are two commonly associated anatomic lesions in multidirectional instability: a patulous inferior capsule which contains both the anterior and posterior bands of the IGHL, and functional deficiency of the rotator interval [25].
- Labral tearing may occur with repeated subluxations or a traumatic event in multidirectional instability [25].
- The normal stabilizing structures of the glenohumeral joint include capsuloligamentous structures, the rotator cuff, the scapular stabilizers, and the biceps muscle [12].
- In the midranges of rotation, most joint stability is through the dynamic action of the rotator cuff and biceps tendons through concavity compression of the humeral head within the glenoid socket [12].
- Above the glenoid equator, the labrum is relatively more mobile [12].
- Below the equator, the labrum is more tightly attached to the glenoid articular cartilage [12].
- The relative lack of depth and surface area of the bony glenoid is compensated for by the fibrous labrum acting to maintain normal glenohumeral biomechanics [12].
- Shoulder instability appeared to produce only relatively discrete glenoid-side changes in healed rim lesions, both anteriorly and posteriorly [30].
- The general impression from healed rim lesions was that of a localized, "natural" bone block [30].
- A much higher proportion of posterior pathologic condition than is usually seen was demonstrated in specimens [30].
- Posterior dislocations are generally conceived to be rare events, composing from 1.5% to 3.8% of all shoulder dislocations [30].
- The prevalence of bony evidence of instability in the studied population was 5.4% [30].
- Accurate identification of the mechanism of instability is essential for guiding management, but outcomes remain variable and recurrent instability continues to be a major challenge [8].
- Soft-tissue stabilization alone may not be sufficient in patients who present with substantial bone loss to the posterior glenoid and/or the anterior humeral head [36].
- The approach to the treatment of shoulder instability should be based on a pathogenetic principle [37].
Investigations¶
Clinical Examination¶
- Glenohumeral joint laxity should be evaluated preoperatively by clinical examination in all patients [163].
- The history and physical examination are paramount in the diagnosis of a stiff shoulder, with ancillary studies helpful in certain circumstances [41].
- If the problem is not apparent on history, physical examination, and plain radiographs, or if the patient does not appear to be an excellent surgical candidate, nonoperative management is likely recommended [43].
Plain Radiography¶
- Standardized plain films are almost always sufficient to garner the information needed for shoulder evaluation [42].
- The first key radiographic view is the anteroposterior (AP) view in the plane of the scapula, taken so that the x-ray beam passes through the glenohumeral joint [42].
- The AP view in the scapular plane shows the superoinferior position of the humeral head relative to the glenoid, presence of osteophytes, narrowing of the joint space, degree of medial displacement of the humerus, quality of bone, presence of loose bodies, and humeral head collapse or deformity [42].
- The second key radiographic view is the axillary view taken with the arm in the functional position of elevation in the plane of the scapula [42].
- The axillary view is referred to as the "truth view" because it demonstrates glenohumeral relationships in the functional position of elevation [42].
- The standardized axillary view enables measurement of posterior subluxation or "functional decentering" that is not evident in images taken with the arm at the side [42].
- The degree of posterior subluxation can be measured by the position of the center of the humeral head in relation to the plane of the scapula, the position of the center of the humeral head in relation to the glenoid face, or the point of contact of the humeral articular surface on the glenoid articular surface [42].
- The axillary view is a necessary view in evaluation of glenohumeral joint instability and enables determination of the humeral head position in the glenoid fossa [96].
- The axillary view may detect occult, locked posterior shoulder dislocation in a patient who exhibits a lack of passive external rotation [96].
- Focal cortical bone loss at the inferior aspect of the glenoid is a radiographic sign found exclusively in shoulders with recurrent anterior instability [57].
- The Stryker notch view is indicated to evaluate Hill-Sachs lesions after dislocation [96].
- The West Point view is indicated to evaluate anterior glenoid bone loss [96].
- The apical oblique view is indicated to evaluate for glenoid rim fracture in instability [96].
- The standard shoulder series should include a true AP view in the scapular plane, an AP view, an axillary view, and a scapular Y view [96].
- The acromiohumeral distance is normally 7 to 14 mm [96].
- The coracoclavicular distance is normally 1.1 to 1.3 cm [96].
Computed Tomography (CT)¶
- CT imaging is frequently used to assess for bony lesions in recurrent instability cases [95].
- CT with three-dimensional reconstructions is the advanced imaging study of choice for determining the extent of glenoid bone loss in the setting of shoulder instability [96].
- Although CT scans may offer a few degrees of increased precision in the measurement of glenoid version, this precision does not necessarily improve the quality of the surgery or the clinical outcome [42].
- CT scans have the disadvantage of being taken with the arm in the adducted position [42].
- In the future, CT is expected to be superseded by MRI in anterior shoulder instability [158].
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Arthrography¶
- MRI is the modality of choice for evaluating the rotator cuff, biceps, and subacromial/subdeltoid bursa [95].
- T1-weighted MRI can reveal Hill-Sachs lesions [95].
- T2-weighted MRI provides better visualization of full-thickness rotator cuff tears [95].
- MR arthrography is considered the benchmark for evaluation of labral tears [95].
- MRI provided an accurate, non-invasive method of imaging the glenohumeral joint that was superior to CT arthrography in diagnosing labral, glenoid rim, and humeral head abnormalities commonly associated with glenohumeral instability [166].
- In 20 shoulders (87%), findings from MR arthrography and arthroscopy accorded regarding the anterior labrum of anterior shoulder instability [9].
- MRI augmented with a novel artificial intelligence system is superior to CT in shoulder instability [158].
- Automated 3D analysis of glenoid bone loss using deep learning may improve prognostic analysis of anterior shoulder instability and facilitate measurement on MRI [142].
- The study investigated and compared morphological factors on magnetic resonance imaging between pain-predominant (unstable painful shoulder) and apprehension-dominant (anterior shoulder instability) presentations [168].
- The study investigated whether unstable painful shoulder and anterior instability are associated with differences in scapula morphology using magnetic resonance imaging [171].
- Shoulder MRI parameters for anticipating anterior shoulder dislocation were measured by four students and a consultant shoulder surgeon on 28 sets of shoulder MRI scans [170].
Ultrasound¶
- Ultrasonography is a low-cost alternative to MRI and arthrography for evaluating both skeletal and soft-tissue structures of the shoulder [95].
- Ultrasonography can provide immediate, real-time visualization of the rotator cuff, biceps tendon, and calcific deposits [95].
- Ultrasonography can be used to measure the subacromial space and detect atrophy of rotator cuff muscles [95].
- Ultrasonography is highly operator dependent and is not as useful for evaluating labral tears or rotator cuff tears that are very small or larger than 3 cm [95].
- The sensitivity of ultrasonography for the detection of full-thickness rotator cuff tears is 98% [96].
- The specificity of ultrasonography for the detection of full-thickness rotator cuff tears is 80% [96].
- The positive predictive value of ultrasonography for the detection of full-thickness rotator cuff tears is 90% [96].
- The negative predictive value of ultrasonography for the detection of full-thickness rotator cuff tears is 95% [96].
- The accuracy of ultrasonography for the detection of full-thickness rotator cuff tears is 94% [96].
Other Imaging and Diagnostic Considerations¶
- The purpose of imaging of the shoulder is to help establish the diagnosis, determine the severity of the pathoanatomy, assist in surgical planning, and enable the surgeon to illustrate the condition of the shoulder to the patient [42].
- Unless a specific research protocol is in place, the temptation to "overimage" should be resisted, obtaining only the scans or reconstructions that are necessary for the care of the patient [42].
- Proper radiographic technique is as important as proper surgical technique to achieve the desired outcome [42].
- Three-dimensional reconstructions can reveal fine details of the shoulder anatomy, but this additional information rarely changes the planning or conduct of the arthroplasty [42].
Treatment¶
Non-Operative Management¶
- All patients with multidirectional instability should undergo extensive physical therapy for 6 to 9 months prior to consideration of surgical treatment [25].
- Physical therapy for multidirectional instability should focus on rotator cuff strengthening, scapular kinematics, and proprioceptive training [25].
- Approximately 20% of patients with multidirectional instability fail nonsurgical management [25].
- Surgery for multidirectional instability is contraindicated for voluntary dislocators and patients who have not attempted physical therapy [25].
- Nonsurgical treatment should always be attempted first for posterior glenohumeral instability [133].
- After a single traumatic injury causing posterior instability, the arm should be immobilized in neutral rotation with the elbow in adduction for 1 to 2 weeks followed by therapy [133].
- NHL team physicians strongly favor nonoperative management in-season for initial posterior instability events of the shoulder [20].
- A single low-quality RCT of 99 subjects under 50 years of age reported recurrence at one year of follow-up to be 17% in those subjects immobilized for three weeks versus 26% in those immobilized for only one week [126].
- Two smaller trials found that 75% and 80% of conservatively managed subjects with traumatic dislocation and instability had redislocated within an average follow-up of 36 and 23 months, respectively [126].
- Only 11% and 14% of the surgically treated subjects in two smaller trials redislocated, respectively [126].
Operative Management: Anterior Instability¶
- The indications for an isolated soft-tissue procedure in anterior shoulder instability are now narrower, with the ideal candidate presenting with minimal glenoid bone loss of 13.5% [19].
- Arthroscopic repair of an initial series of 29 shoulders with a minimum of 26 months’ follow-up showed 25 excellent results, 2 good, 1 fair, and 1 poor result due to recurrence of instability [16].
- Arthroscopic management of a failed instability repair provides similar success to open reconstruction if proper indications are selected [59].
- The short-term outcome of arthroscopic revision surgery in shoulder instability is described as challenging and encouraging [21].
- Rates of recurrent instability in published reports are generally higher with arthroscopic stabilization than with open surgery [22].
- Recent randomized trials and systematic reviews have not shown the superiority of modern arthroscopic techniques compared with open repairs for shoulder instability [137].
- Open repair resulted in a significantly lower risk of recurrence than arthroscopic repair in a trial by Mohtadi et al. [137].
- Arthroscopic and open repair techniques for the treatment of recurrent traumatic shoulder instability yield comparable results if the procedure is selected on the basis of the pathologic findings at the time of surgery [137].
- Available evidence indicates that arthroscopic approaches are not as effective as open approaches in preventing recurrent instability or enabling patients to return to work [137].
- Misplaced suture anchors in arthroscopic instability repairs can give rise to secondary degenerative joint disease or "anchor arthropathy" [137].
- Use of intra-articular infusion of local antibiotics via a pain pump after arthroscopic instability repairs results in a risk of glenohumeral chondrolysis [137].
- The healing time for a labral reattachment in arthroscopic stabilization is likely to be the same as the time to heal a subscapularis tenotomy in open repair [137].
- The routine use of bone transfers such as the Latarjet procedure does not seem advisable in the absence of major glenoid bone loss due to increased risk of arthritis, screw-related problems, damage to the subscapularis, and difficulty in revision [137].
- Bankart repair and anterior capsular shift as a combined procedure provides good long-term stability for shoulders with a high rate of recurrence that are not successful candidates for an arthroscopic procedure [38].
- Glenoid labrum reconstruction with Mitek anchors in combination with capsular shift achieves correct anatomical anterior capsular-labral reconstruction and normal physiological motion of the glenohumeral joint [26].
- The selective capsular shift is an open procedure that offers the versatility necessary to address the pathology encountered in anterior and anterior-inferior glenohumeral instability [71].
- Open anterior capsular reconstruction using a tibialis anterior allograft was successful in 9 of 13 procedures, with patients highly satisfied and no clinical evidence for instability [40].
- The arthroscopic Trillat procedure resulted in a stable and functional shoulder with patient satisfaction in 96% (20/21) of patients with recurrent anterior instability associated with massive irreparable cuff, with no patient losing active shoulder motion [6].
- Shoulder stabilization using the Latarjet procedure is effective in patients over 50 years old without associated cuff damage, despite a higher complication rate than in the younger population [70].
- The recurrence rate reported for the Latarjet-Patte triple-locking procedure is lower than that reported in previous series, potentially reflecting the beneficial effect of systemic capsular retensioning on a flap of coracoacromial ligament [159].
- Arthrosis of the shoulder joint was seen in 4 patients and non-union occurred in 10 patients in a series of the modified Bristow procedure for anterior shoulder instability [63].
- The subscapularis and capsule augmentation is a safe and relatively easy technique for the treatment of shoulder instability associated with capsule-labral deficit [151].
- Long head of biceps tendon transfer is indicated for shoulder instability in high-impact athletes together with a capsule-labrum reconstruction, and for poor tissue quality of the labrum in patients with multiple long-term dislocations [116].
- Anterior labral reconstruction with biceps autograft has been performed in a small number of patients, and data are inadequate to report on clinical results and recurrent instability risk [73].
- Patients should be counseled pre-operatively on the expected decline in patient-reported outcomes over time following arthroscopic Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability [24].
- The approach to the treatment of shoulder instability should be based on a pathogenetic principle, as demonstrated in cases where rotator cuff tears manifested by recurrent anterior instability [37].
Operative Management: Posterior Instability¶
- Open posterior shoulder stabilization is a reliable procedure for treating significant posterior instability without causing arthritic changes [10].
- In 8 of 9 shoulders (89%), both subjective symptoms and objective posterior instability were improved following surgical treatment for recurrent posterior glenohumeral instability [2].
- Single-portal arthroscopic posterior capsulorrhaphy offers an efficient, reproducible procedure to address posterior shoulder instability pathology [17].
- Recurrence is the most common complication of posterior instability surgery, reported to be 8.5% in the general population [133].
- Recurrence rates for posterior instability surgery are highest in overhead athletes and increase with posterior glenoid bone loss >20%, which should be considered a contraindication to arthroscopic soft-tissue stabilization alone [133].
- Overtightening of the posterior capsule can lead to anterior subluxation or coracoid impingement [133].
- Shoulder stiffness or adhesive capsulitis is a concern with rotator interval plication during posterior instability surgery [133].
- A thorough clinical exam is the most important factor when determining indication for shoulder instability surgery, with no difference in outcomes for patients with normal vs. pathological radiologist reported magnetic resonance arthrogram studies [34].
- Options for an engaging reverse Hill-Sachs defect in posterior instability include structural bone graft to the humeral head, the McLaughlin or modified McLaughlin procedure, or resurfacing arthroplasty [133].
- Options for posterior glenoid bone loss include distal tibial allograft or autograft reconstruction using posterior acromion, iliac crest, or distal clavicle [133].
Operative Management: Multidirectional and Other Instability¶
- Arthroscopic pancapsular plication with or without rotator interval closure is a surgical technique for multidirectional instability [25].
- If labral pathology is encountered during multidirectional instability surgery, anterior or posterior labral repair is indicated [25].
- Capsulorrhaphy for multidirectional instability should address the inferior redundancy in a balanced fashion to avoid asymmetric tightening [25].
- Open anterior-inferior capsular shift is a surgical technique for multidirectional instability [25].
- Recurrence of multidirectional instability is 7% for both open and arthroscopic techniques [25].
- Axillary nerve injury, stiffness (rare), and subscapularis insufficiency (after open procedure) are complications of multidirectional instability surgery [25].
- The study shows the long-term effectiveness of arthroscopic capsular shift in the treatment of multidirectional shoulder instability [160].
- Open capsular shift with Achilles allograft augmentation demonstrated low rates of recurrent instability and improved clinical outcomes in patients with multidirectional instability and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome [11].
- Surgical correction of multidirectional instability of the shoulder in a child should be performed only if the patient has severe multidirectional instability, significant negative impact on daily activities, ability to understand the significance of the instability, and compromised school attendance or participation [150].
- Treatment of instability impingement is usually difficult [161].
Postoperative Rehabilitation and Immobilization¶
- Postoperatively for posterior instability, the shoulder should be placed in a rigid immobilizer with the arm abducted to 30° in neutral rotation [133].
- Strengthening for posterior instability should begin at 12 weeks postoperatively [133].
- Patients may return to heavy labor or contact sports 6 months after posterior instability surgery [133].
- The pooled published rate of return to any sport after posterior instability surgery is 91%, and to preinjury level of sport is 67% [133].
- Noncompliance with immobilization, rehabilitation, or return to activity restrictions constitutes a fairly common and preventable cause of recurrent instability following arthroscopic stabilization [129].
- Several investigators have found higher failure rates in patients inadequately immobilized postoperatively, justifying current protocols recommending 3 to 6 weeks of immobilization [129].
- Rarely, patients are permitted to return to sport before 3 months after arthroscopic stabilization surgery, with contact or collision athletes usually restricted for 4 to 6 months after surgery [129].
- In a study of open Latarjet procedures, patients in the no-sling group were instructed to avoid active elevation and abduction, restricting them to passive-assisted mobilization, while patients in the sling group wore a sling in internal rotation for the first 3 weeks postoperatively [112].
Complications¶
Recurrent Instability and Failure Rates¶
- In a prospective study of 29 shoulders with a minimum of 26 months’ follow-up, 1 poor result occurred because of the recurrence of instability [16].
- At 2 years, 19.1% of patients experienced instability and 7.9% underwent reoperation for instability or dislocation following arthroscopic treatment of 270-360 degree panlabral tears [4].
- In a study of arthroscopic treatment of bidirectional glenohumeral instability, the index operation was considered a failure for 4 patients because of persistent instability [15].
- Rates of recurrent instability in published reports are generally higher with arthroscopic stabilization [22].
- A study of traumatic posterior glenohumeral dislocations in a high-risk population found a high failure rate, with 19 out of 33 shoulders (58%) experiencing structural failure such as recurrent dislocation or revision surgery [68].
- Outcomes for the management of dislocated reverse total shoulder arthroplasty remain variable, and recurrent instability continues to be a major challenge [8].
Arthrosis and Bony Complications¶
- Arthrosis of the shoulder joint was seen in 4 patients and non-union occurred in 10 patients in a series of modified Bristow procedures for anterior shoulder instability [63].
- Shoulder instability appears to produce relatively discrete glenoid-side changes, with healed rim lesions both anteriorly and posteriorly resembling a localized, "natural" bone block [30].
- Adolescent athletes who present with a history of anterior shoulder instability have a high incidence of bipolar bone loss [156].
Range of Motion and Functional Deficits¶
- Of 18 patients undergoing repair of anterior-inferior shoulder instability, 11 (61%) maintained symmetric motion, while the others had minimal loss of external rotation compared with that of the contralateral shoulder [164].
Other Complications¶
- Frozen shoulder is a common epidemiological affliction that does not resolve spontaneously in a large number of patients [32].
Recovery¶
Anterior Instability Outcomes¶
- Following humeral and glenoid detachment of the anterior inferior glenohumeral ligament, none of the patients experienced instability after an average follow-up of 26 months [1].
- In a prospective study of 29 shoulders with recurrent anterior instability and a minimum follow-up of 26 months (mean 36 months), 25 shoulders achieved excellent results, 2 good, 1 fair, and 1 poor result due to recurrence of instability [16].
- The poor result in the series of 29 shoulders with recurrent anterior instability was successfully treated with arthroscopic revision [16].
- In a series of 21 patients with recurrent anterior instability associated with massive irreparable cuff, 96% (20/21) had a stable and functional shoulder and were satisfied with the arthroscopic Trillat procedure [6].
- No patient in the series of 21 with massive irreparable cuff lost active shoulder motion following the arthroscopic Trillat procedure [6].
- A combined procedure of Bankart repair and anterior capsularshift provides good long-term stability for shoulders with a high rate of recurrency that are not successful candidates for arthroscopic procedures [38].
- In a series of 270-360 degree panlabral tears, 19.1% of patients experienced instability at 2 years [4].
- In a series of 270-360 degree panlabral tears, 7.9% of patients underwent reoperation for instability or dislocation at 2 years [4].
- Patients should be counseled pre-operatively on the expected outcomes over time following arthroscopic Bankart repair of anterior shoulder instability [24].
- Contemporary studies show comparable instability and functional outcomes between arthroscopic and open Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability [75].
- Historical instability differences between arthroscopic and open Bankart repair were driven primarily by earlier studies [75].
- Rates of recurrent instability in published reports are generally higher with arthroscopic stabilization than open stabilization [22].
- Other complications occur with arthroscopic stabilization compared to open stabilization [22].
- In a series of 4 patients with bidirectional glenohumeral instability, the index operation was considered a failure for each patient due to persistent instability at 2 to 5-year follow-up [15].
- The shoulder remained stable with no recurrent dislocations at a final follow-up of 24 months following anterior capsular reconstruction using a dermal allograft [33].
- Postoperative radiographic evaluation at 7-month follow-up demonstrated a concentrically reduced glenohumeral joint following anterior capsular reconstruction with dermal allograft augmentation for multidirectional instability [72].
- The Latarjet procedure leads to similar functional outcomes and failure rates in patients with or without hyperlaxity for recurrent shoulder instability [67].
- In 7 of 100 cases of first-time anterior shoulder instability, no gap was observed between the Hill-Sachs lesion and the glenoid rim, indicating engagement occurred in exactly the same arm position each time [61].
- Addressing cartilage injury in the setting of first-time anterior shoulder instability can be beneficial and may alter recovery and longer-term shoulder joint outcomes [74].
Posterior Instability Outcomes¶
- In 8 of 9 shoulders (89%) treated surgically for recurrent posterior glenohumeral instability, both subjective symptoms and objective posterior instability were improved [2].
- Clinical improvements were observed in all patients treated with retroglenoid osteotomy with capsular shift for posterior shoulder instability, with complete resolution of instability symptoms and radiological correction of glenoid retroversion [3].
- In a high-risk population with traumatic posterior glenohumeral dislocations, 19 out of 33 shoulders (58%) experienced structural failure such as recurrent dislocation or revision surgery [68].
- A local vascularized scapula bone graft for posterior glenohumeral instability resulted in a posteriorly stable glenohumeral joint and a persisting vital bone graft at two-year follow-up [65].
Multidirectional and Special Populations¶
- Open capsular shift with Achilles allograft augmentation demonstrated low rates of recurrent instability and improved clinical outcomes in patients with multidirectional shoulder instability, including those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome [11].
Salvage and Late Complications¶
- At an average follow-up period of 3 years, 13 patients (77%) had satisfactory results and 4 patients (23%) had unsatisfactory results following glenohumeral arthroplasty for arthritis after instability surgery [172].
- A patient with a large glenoid and humeral head defect treated with osteoarticular allograft reconstruction was asymptomatic and living an active lifestyle with a 10/10 satisfaction on the University of Pennsylvania Shoulder Score, though long-term follow-up may not be as favorable [173].
Key Evidence¶
- [L4] None of the patients has had instability after an average follow-up of 26 months. [1] (10.1016/s1058-2746(97)90064-1)
- [L4] In 8 / 9 shoulders (89%), both subjective symptoms and objective posterior instability were improved. [2] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80550-7)
- [L4] This study showed clinical improvements in all patients, with the complete resolution of instability symptoms and radiological correction of glenoid retroversion. [3] (10.1186/s12891-026-09524-3)
- [L3] At 2 years, 19.1% of patients experienced instability and 7.9% underwent reoperation for instability or dislocation. [4] (10.1177/2325967126s00513)
- [L3] We followed 573 cases of atraumatic shoulder instability for 3 years or more. [5] (10.1067/mse.2001.111962)
- [L4] Overall, 96% (20/21) of the patients had a stable and functional shoulder and were satisfied with the procedure; no patient lost active shoulder motion. [6] (10.1016/j.jseint.2024.08.149)
- [L3] The statistical analysis of different anatomic lesions led us to formulate a chronologic classification based on dynamic pathophysiologic reasoning rather than catalog complex descriptions of multiple arthroscopic findings in the unstable shoulder. [7] (10.1016/s1058-2746(99)90058-7)
- [L4] Accurate identification of the mechanism of instability is essential for guiding management, but outcomes remain variable and recurrent instability continues to be a major challenge. [8] (10.1177/17585732261472448)
- [L4] In another 20 shoulders (87%), both findings accorded. [9] (10.1016/s1058-2746(95)80288-6)
- [L4] Open posterior shoulder stabilization is a reliable procedure for treating significant posterior instability without causing arthritic changes. [10] (10.1016/j.jse.2004.06.008)
- [L4] The study demonstrated low rates of recurrent instability and improved clinical outcomes in this high-risk population. [11] (10.1016/j.jse.2026.05.024)
- [Paper] [12] (10.1016/s0278-5919(05)70294-5)
- [L4] [13] (10.1097/01.bte.0000137216.70574.ba)
- [L5] Posterior shoulder instability (PSI) is defined by dynamic, recurrent and symptomatic partial or total loss of posterior joint contact. [14] (10.1016/j.otsr.2024.104061)
- [L4] For each of 4 patients, the index operation was considered a failure because of persistent instability. [15] (10.1067/mse.2001.109324)
- [L3] The prospective study of an initial series of 29 shoulders with a minimum of 26 months’ follow-up (mean, 36 months) shows 1 poor result because of the recurrence of instability (arthroscopic revision has had a successful outcome), 1 fair result, 2 good, and 25 excellent results (according to the Duplay scale). [16] (10.1097/00132589-200112000-00002)
- [L5] All in all, this technique offers an efficient, reproducible procedure to address posterior shoulder instability pathology. [17] (10.1016/j.eats.2022.05.004)
- [L4] The authors suggest that shoulder arthrodesis is a viable salvage procedure for patients with refractory shoulder instability. [18] (10.1016/s1058-2746(02)86883-5)
- [Paper] The indications for an isolated soft-tissue procedure in anterior shoulder instability are now narrower; the ideal candidate presents with minimal glenoid bone loss (13.5%). [19] (10.2106/jbjs.rvw.26.00033)
- [L4] NHL team physicians strongly favor nonoperative management in-season for initial posterior instability events of the shoulder. [20] (10.1177/23259671261440208)
- [L4] The short-term outcome in this small series of arthroscopic revision surgery in shoulder instability is challenging and encouraging. [21] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80315-6)
- [Paper] Rates of recurrent instability in published reports are generally higher with arthroscopic stabilization, and other complications occur. [22] (10.1016/s0278-5919(05)70182-4)
- [L5] This technique with an anchor-button unit attempts to reduce recurring instability and improve long-term outcomes for patients with glenohumeral instability accompanying glenoid bone loss. [23] (10.1002/atn2.70250)
- [L3] Patients should be counseled pre-operatively on the expected outcomes over time following ABR of anterior shoulder instability. [24] (10.1177/2325967126s00552)
- [L4] With this procedure the correct anatomical-anterior capsular-labral reconstruction and a normal physiological motion of the glenohumeral joint can be achieved. [26] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80391-0)
- [L3] Postero-inferior shoulder instability is associated with capsular laxity and well defined pathological lesions of the gleno-labral concavity. [27] (10.1016/s1058-2746(98)90088-x)
- [L5] [28] (10.1097/01.bte.0000130603.30293.3c)
- [L4] [29] (10.2106/jbjs.rvw.23.00200)
- [L4] [30] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80056-5)
- [L4] Frozen shoulder is a common epidemiological affliction that does not resolve spontaneously in a large number of patients. [32] (10.3389/fmed.2021.663703)
- [L5] The shoulder remained stable with no recurrent dislocations at a final follow-up of 24 months. [33] (10.1097/bte.0000000000000172)
- [L3] A thorough clinical exam is the most important factor when determining indication for shoulder instability surgery. [34] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2026.100675)
- [L5] Soft-tissue stabilization alone may not be sufficient in patients who present with substantial bone loss to the posterior glenoid and/or the anterior humeral head. [36] (10.2106/jbjs.rvw.23.00243)
- [L4] The results obtained in our patients testify that the approach to the treatment of the shoulder instability should be based on a pathogenetic principle. [37] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80199-6)
- [L4] This combined procedure provides good long term stability for shoulders with high rate of recurrency and which seem to be not a successful case for an arthroscopic procedure. [38] (10.1016/s1058-2746(95)80098-0)
- [L5] The authors propose the arthroscopic subscapular sling procedure as an alternative to existing surgical treatment options for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. [39] (10.1016/j.eats.2021.03.027)
- [L4] Nine of 13 procedures were successful, with patients highly satisfied and no clinical evidence for instability. [40] (10.1097/bte.0b013e31817303e6)
- [L3] [44] (10.1016/j.jseint.2026.101785)
- [L5] The cause appears to be multifactorial, with biochemical and biomechanical abnormalities present in shoulders with MDI. [45] (10.1016/s1058-2746(10)80009-6)
- [L4] [47] (10.1016/1058-2746(93)90076-s)
- [L5] Posterior shoulder instability is a pathologic state that arises when a patient has pain and/or dysfunction that occurs when the humeral head repeatedly translates posteriorly on the glenoid. [48] (10.1097/01.bte.0000171162.82430.5a)
- [L5] [51] (10.2106/jbjs.rvw.25.00098)
- [Paper] CINE MRI is a reproducible technique to evaluate normal capsular attachments to the glenoid and confirms diagnosis of anterior and posterior shoulder instability. [53] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80178-9)
- [L3] Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion in young patients presenting with traumatic shoulder pain, even in the absence of perceived instability. [55] (10.1177/23259671251414851)
- [L4] In most cases posttraumatic recurrent shoulder pain caused by symptomatic glenohumeral instability. [56] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80239-4)
- [L4] The lesion was found exclusively in shoulders with recurrent anterior instability. [57] (10.1016/1058-2746(92)90092-h)
- [L4] Arthroscopic management of a failed instability repair provides similar success to open reconstruction if one selects proper indications. [59] (10.1097/00132589-200212000-00008)
- [L5] They note that 7 of 100 cases showed no gap between the Hill-Sachs lesion and the glenoid rim, indicating engagement occurred in exactly the same arm position each time. [61] (10.1177/0363546519878140)
- [L4] Arthrosis of the shoulder joint was seen in 4 patients and non-union occurred in 10 patients. [63] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80120-0)
- [L4] A shallow Hill-Sachs lesion was indicative of a greater degree of anterior instability of the shoulder. [64] (10.1067/mse.2000.106920)
- [L5] The two-year follow-up of the performed surgical procedure led to a posteriorly stable glenohumeral joint and a persisting vital bone graft. [65] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2026.100772)
- [L4] In recurrent instability of the shoulder, the Latarjet procedure leads to similar functional outcomes and failure rates in patients with or without hyperlaxity. [67] (10.1016/j.jseint.2024.08.174)
- [L4] The study found a high failure rate in both cohorts, with 19 out of 33 shoulders (58%) experiencing structural failure such as recurrent dislocation or revision surgery. [68] (10.1016/j.jseint.2026.101773)
- [L3] The Bristow-Latarjet procedure was associated with significantly higher rates of full RTS than Bankart repairs in anterior shoulder instability, despite variability in patient indications across procedures. [69] (10.1177/23259671261450204)
- [L4] Despite a higher complication rate than in the younger population, shoulder stabilization using the Latarjet procedure is effective in patients over 50 without associated cuff damage. [70] (10.1016/j.jseint.2025.101518)
- [L5] The selective capsular shift is an open procedure that offers the versatility necessary to address the pathology that may be encountered in anterior and anterior-inferior glenohumeral instability. [71] (10.1016/s0278-5919(05)70293-3)
- [L5] Postoperative radiographic evaluation at 7-month follow-up demonstrated a concentrically reduced glenohumeral joint. [72] (10.1002/atn2.70104)
- [L4] This technique has been performed in a small number of patients, and the data are inadequate to report on clinical results and recurrent instability risk. [73] (10.1016/j.eats.2024.102935)
- [L5] The authors conclude that addressing the cartilage injury can be beneficial and may alter recovery and longer-term shoulder joint outcomes. [74] (10.1002/arj.70461)
- [L4] Publication period subgroup analysis suggests that historical instability differences were driven primarily by earlier studies, whereas contemporary studies show comparable instability and functional outcomes between approaches. [75] (10.1177/03635465261443999)
- [L3] Patients with rotator cuff tearing demonstrate abnormal glenohumeral kinematics with superior translation of the humeral head in the scapular plane and a strong trend toward abnormal glenohumeral-scapulothoracic motion relationships before surgery. [98] (10.1016/s1058-2746(97)90084-7)
- [L4] Human throwing capabilities largely result from several derived anatomical features that enable elastic energy storage and release at the shoulder. [99] (10.1038/nature12267)
- [L4] This study demonstrates that labral morphology does not compensate for reduced bony glenoid concavity in clinically stable shoulders. [102] (10.1016/j.jseint.2025.101422)
- [L4] During planar motions, changes are evident in both the serratus anterior and supraspinatus muscle activity in the unstable glenohumeral joint. [103] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80006-1)
- [L1] [112] (10.2106/jbjs.25.00560)
- [L3] [113] (10.1016/s1058-2746(09)80037-2)
- [L5] The least displacement was obtained by infraspinatus loading in the hanging position and by subscapularis loading at 90° flexion in both rotations. [114] (10.1016/s1058-2746(95)80169-3)
- [L5] Its main indications are for shoulder instability in high-impact athletes, together with a capsule-labrum reconstruction, and poor tissue quality of the labrum in patients with multiple long-term dislocations. [116] (10.1097/bte.0000000000000153)
- [L5] Multidirectional instability (MDI) of the shoulder is a complex entity characterized by symptomatic global laxity of the glenohumeral joint. [120] (10.1016/s0278-5919(05)70207-6)
- [L4] According to our results, Bennett lesion which are on or close to glenoid could contribute the dynamic stability of the shoulder as the physiological reaction of glenoid in functional position. [123] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80533-7)
- [L2] [126] (10.1197/j.jht.2004.02.010)
- [L4] Proper capsular ligament length can be restored with manual techniques, and all patients with shoulder pain should have capsular ligament length assessment to ensure proper glenohumeral mechanics. [127] (10.2519/jospt.1996.23.3.216)
- [Paper] Increasing literature is emerging connecting morphology of the acromion with shoulder instability. [128] (10.2106/jbjs.rvw.23.00188)
- [L5] [129] (10.1016/s0278-5919(05)70183-6)
- [L4] This classification is very useful to compare pathogenesis and results of treatment in patients with glenohumeral instability. [135] (10.1016/s1058-2746(05)80051-5)
- [L4] [139] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80207-2)
- [L5] [140] (10.1002/atn2.70026)
- [Paper] Such methods may improve prognostic analysis of anterior shoulder instability and will facilitate measurement on MRI, which rarely includes the contralateral shoulder. [142] (10.1016/j.jseint.2025.101506)
- [L4] Shoulder instability can be a presenting symptom and sign of syringomyelia. [143] (10.1016/1058-2746(92)90094-j)
- [Paper] Current classifications exhibit poor reliability in categorizing glenoid defects post-reverse shoulder arthroplasty removal. [145] (10.1016/j.jseint.2024.08.170)
- [L4] We feel weakness of muscle was one of the main causes of shoulder instability in these cases. [146] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80440-x)
- [L3] Coracoid morphology differs significantly in patients undergoing posterior shoulder stabilization when compared to patients undergoing surgery for anterior instability or a comparison cohort. [148] (10.1177/03635465261421534)
- [L5] Surgical correction of multidirectional instability of the shoulder in a child should be performed only if the following indications are present: (1) the patients must have severe multidirectional instability, (2) the instability must have a significant negative impact on their daily activities, (3) the children must be able to understand the significance of the instability, and (4) school attendance and school participation must be compromised by the instability. [150] (10.1016/1058-2746(92)90014-t)
- [Paper] The subscapularis and capsule augmentation is a safe and relatively easy technique for the treatment of shoulder instability. [151] (10.1016/j.eats.2024.103313)
- [L5] Instability is classified by etiology, frequency, direction, and magnitude of translational movement, and these classifications need to be considered by the rehabilitation specialist when developing an appropriate treatment plan. [153] (10.1097/bte.0000000000000016)
- [L4] Adolescent athletes who present with a history of anterior shoulder instability have a high incidence of bipolar bone loss. [156] (10.1177/2325967126s00146)
- [L4] In the future, we expect CT to be superseded by MRI in anterior shoulder instability. [158] (10.1016/j.jseint.2025.101440)
- [L4] The recurrence rate reported in this study is lower than that reported in previously series and may reflect the beneficial effect of systemic capsular retensioning on a flap of coracoacromial ligament. [159] (10.1097/bte.0b013e3182961957)
- [L4] The study shows the long-term effectiveness of arthroscopic capsular shift in the treatment of multidirectional shoulder instability. [160] (10.1016/s1058-2746(99)90158-1)
- [L3] Treatment of instability impingement is usually difficult. [161] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80238-2)
- [L3] Glenohumeral joint laxity should be evaluated preoperatively by clinical examination in all patients and by fluoroscopic examination, if additional information or documentation are needed. [163] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80219-9)
- [L4] Of the 18 patients, 11 (61%) maintained symmetric motion; the others had minimal loss of external rotation compared with that of the contralateral shoulder. [164] (10.1016/s1058-2746(95)80019-0)
- [L4] These four cases of subscapularis tendon repair failure after Bankart reconstruction for anterior instability of the shoulder demonstrate the need for a well-supervised postoperative protocol with patient compliance. [165] (10.1016/s1058-2746(05)80010-2)
- [L3] MRI provided an accurate, non-invasive method of imaging the glenohumeral joint that was superior to CTA in diagnosing labral, gienoid rim, and humeral head abnormalities, commonly associated with glenohumeral instability. [166] (10.1016/s1058-2746(96)80388-0)
- [L5] The article presents an alternative technique for capsular plication that effectively and safely addresses capsular laxity in patients with posterior shoulder instability. [167] (10.1016/j.eats.2025.103794)
- [L4] The study investigated and compared morphological factors on magnetic resonance imaging between pain-predominant (UPS) and apprehension-dominant (ASI) instability presentations. [168] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2026.100810)
- [L4] These measurements were performed by four students and a consultant shoulder surgeon on 28 sets of shoulder MRI scans. [170] (10.1016/j.injury.2024.111591)
- [L3] The study investigated whether unstable painful shoulder (UPS) and anterior instability (AI) are associated with differences in scapula morphology using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). [171] (10.1016/j.jse.2026.04.009)
- [L4] At an average follow-up period of 3 years, 13 (77%) satisfactory results and four (23%) unsatisfactory results were obtained. [172] (10.1016/s1058-2746(05)80060-6)
- [L5] The results in our patient are short term and that long-term follow-up may not be as favorable; however, the patient is currently asymptomatic and living an active lifestyle with a 10/10 satisfaction on the University of Pennsylvania Shoulder Score. [173] (10.1097/bte.0b013e318057fb1a)
References¶
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