< Shoulder

Shoulder Instability

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The ball and socket of the shoulder is the most moveable joint in the body. Because of this, it is also susceptible to dislocation, where the ball slips out of the socket. This is referred to as shoulder instability, which can result from damage to the ligaments or cartilage that hold the shoulder joint in place.

 

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What is a Shoulder Instability?

Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Typically associated with athletic injuries or falls, shoulder instability can lead to pain and a feeling that the shoulder joint “gives way” or moves out of place. Damage to surrounding structures can cause the shoulder joint to partially or fully dislocate with certain movements of the arms.

 

Shoulder Instability: Overview
6m

 

Shoulder Instability Treatment

With and Without Surgery

The severity of shoulder instability will help determine treatment. Wearing a shoulder sling and performing shoulder strengthening exercises can help in some cases. With significant shoulder instability, surgery may be needed to stabilize the shoulder joint.

 

Shoulder Instability: Treatment Options
4m

 

Shoulder Instability Surgery

Surgical Animations

Different types of surgery are available to treat shoulder instability. Often, the cartilage that holds the shoulder joint in place, called the labrum, is repaired and reattached to the shoulder socket. Other cases may require repairing surrounding ligaments or reshaping bone to improve the stability of the shoulder joint.

 

Shoulder Instability: Labral Repair Using Knotless Soft Anchors Animation 2m

Shoulder Instability: Reconstruction of Bone Loss at Shoulder Socket With Bone Graft and Suture Animation 2m

Shoulder Instability: Bony Defect Repair With Soft Tissue Animation 1m

 

Shoulder Instability Surgery

Surgical Demonstrations

Surgery for shoulder instability requires incisions be made around the front of the shoulder. The size of the incisions will depend on the surgeon’s technique.

 

Shoulder Instability: Soft-Tissue/Ligament Repair 4m

Shoulder Instability: Reconstruction of Bone Loss at Shoulder Socket With Bone Graft and Screws 3m

Shoulder Instability: Bone Defect Repair Using Soft Tissue 2m

 

Additional Educational Resources

Want to dive deeper? Take a look at some of the bonus educational videos to sharpen your understanding of shoulder instability.

 

Shoulder Instability: Securing the Ball
8m