Shoulder instability is a chronic condition that causes frequent dislocations of the shoulder joint. A dislocation occurs when the head of the humerus (the ball portion) partially or completely dislocates from the glenoid (the socket portion) of the shoulder. A partial dislocation is referred to as a subluxation whereas a complete separation is referred to as a dislocation. The common symptoms of shoulder instability include pain with certain movements of the shoulder, a popping or grinding sound that is heard or felt, and swelling or bruising immediately following subluxation or dislocation. Visible deformity and loss of function of the shoulder occur after an instability event. In rare cases, sensation changes, such as numbness or even partial paralysis, can occur below the dislocation as a result of pressure on nerves and blood vessels.
Dr. Cole’s related publications
Dr. Cole’s related videos
- Arthroscopic Management of Shoulder Instability – Technical Pearls
- Shoulder Instability – Management and Treatment Options
- Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization Surgical Technique
- Arthroscopic Stabilization from 2016 Chicago Sports Medicine Symposium, Brian Cole MD MBA Live Broadcast
- ASES Virtual Fellow’s Conference 2020—Failed Arthroscopic Bankart Procedure: What did I miss and what to do next?
- Management of Glenoid Bone Loss and Shoulder Instability
- Revision Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization after Failed Instability Repair Case Presentation: Shoulder Instability
Specific Procedures
Arthroscopic and open stabilization procedures
Shoulder stabilization surgery is done to improve stability and function to the shoulder joint and prevent recurrent dislocations. Stabilization surgery tightens and repairs the shoulder joint by using sutures and anchors to reattach the torn labrum to bone.
Dr. Cole’s related publications
Dr. Cole’s related videos
Post operative care
Rehab protocol
Arthroscopic remplissage
Arthroscopic remplissage may be done as an adjunct to an arthroscopic anterior stabilization to treat an engaging Hill Sachs lesion.
Bone loss of glenoid and humerus (cartilage transplant, Latarjet)
Bone loss of the shoulder can occur for a variety of reasons, including osteoarthritis and recurrent instability. Osteochondral allograft transplantation can be used to treat bone loss of the humeral head, while Latarjet and distal tibial allograft transplantation can be used to address boss loss of the glenoid.