With shoulder instability, the joint has motion that is in excess of normal and is associated with pain and dysfunction.
Shoulder instability can be due to a number of factors. Some people have joints that have excess laxity (i.e. “loose jointed”) and experience symptoms of instability when the muscles fatigue or do not keep the ball centered in the socket when performing activities.
There are a number of surgical options for shoulder instability surgery that are dependent on: size of labrum tear, location of labrum tear, possible fracture or other bony injury. Other factors, such as activity demands, hand-dominance, age, and general health are also
considered when discussing surgical intervention.
Surgical treatment of labrum tears is most often performed arthroscopically, where your surgeon will use multiple small incisions to place a fiberoptic camera and instruments into the shoulder joint to repair the damaged structures.
Certain injuries may benefit more from an open surgical approach. Your surgeon will review with you any associated injuries identified on exam or by MRI and discuss whether this influences the overall treatment plan.
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Patient guide