Shoulder Instability
Definition
Shoulder instability is when the upper-end of the arm bone slides partly or fully out of the shoulder socket.
Shoulder InstabilityCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Risk Factors TOP
This problem is more common in men between the ages of 18 and 25. It is also more common in baseball pitchers.
Symptoms TOP
Problems may be:
- Pain in the shoulder
- Pain with throwing motion
- Shoulder may slip out of place
- Shoulder or arm weakness
- Shoulder may feel loose
Diagnosis TOP
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on your shoulder.
Images of your shoulder may be taken. This can be done with x-rays.
Treatment TOP
It may take 3 months to heal. The goals of treatment are to ease pain and swelling. This may include:
- Medicine to ease pain and swelling
- A sling to prevent the shoulder from moving as it heals
- Exercises to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion
Surgery
Some people may need surgery when other methods do not help. Surgery may be done to repair torn or stretched ligaments so they can hold the shoulder joint in place.
Prevention TOP
Strengthening the rotator cuff muscles may help prevent some injuries. This can be done with exercise.
RESOURCES:
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org
REFERENCES:
Chronic shoulder instability. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated December 2013. Accessed December 9, 2019.
Desmeules F, Barry J, et al. Surgical interventions for post-traumatic anterior shoulder instability in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014;(5):CD011092.
Nassiri N, Eliasberg C, et al. Shoulder instability in the overhead athlete: A systematic review comparing arthroscopic and open stabilization procedures. 2015;3(2):suppl2325967115S00154.
Owens BD, Campbell SE, et al. Risk factors for anterior glenohumeral instability. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(11):2591-2596.
Recurrent subluxation of shoulder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/recurrent-subluxation-of-shoulder. Updated August 21, 2014. Accessed December 9, 2019.
Woodward TW, Best TM. The painful shoulder: part I. Clinical evaluation. Am Fam Physician. 2000 May 15;61(10):3079-3088.
Last reviewed September 2019 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Laura Lei-Rivera, PT, DPT, GCS
Last Updated: 8/11/2020