SHOULDER INSTABILITY

Shoulder Instability: A Common Condition in Young Athletes

Shoulder instability is one of the most frequent conditions treated by sports medicine and orthopedic surgeons. It is especially common among young athletes who play contact or overhead sports such as football, wrestling, volleyball, or baseball. When the shoulder joint becomes loose or dislocates, it can lead to recurring pain, weakness, and difficulty performing athletic activities.

This condition often results from a traumatic injury, like a fall or a collision, which damages the supporting structures inside the shoulder.

What Is Shoulder Instability?

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. It relies on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and a cartilage ring called the labrum to maintain proper function. When one or more of these stabilizing elements are injured or stretched, the shoulder may begin to slip out of place.

Common Causes of Shoulder Instability

• Injury from a fall or collision

• Repetitive overhead motion, such as throwing or swimming

• Naturally loose joints or hypermobility

Signs and Symptoms

• A feeling that the shoulder is “slipping” or “popping out”

• Frequent shoulder dislocations or partial dislocations

• Pain during movement, especially overhead

• Weakness or limited range of motion

Surgical Treatment Options for Shoulder Instability

For many young athletes, surgery is recommended to restore shoulder stability and prevent future dislocations. These are the most common procedures:

Labral Repair

A torn labrum can make the shoulder socket too shallow to hold the ball of the shoulder joint in place. A labral repair reattaches and tightens this cartilage to restore stability. This procedure is commonly done arthroscopically.

Remplissage

If a patient has a Hill-Sachs lesion, a dent in the shoulder joint’s ball, the Remplissage technique is used to fill the defect. This is often done at the same time as a labral repair. The goal is to prevent the shoulder from dislocating again by making the damaged area less likely to engage with the socket.

Latarjet Procedure

The Latarjet procedure involves transferring a small piece of bone from another part of the shoulder to the front of the socket. This added support helps keep the shoulder stable during high-demand activities.

Recovery and Return to Play

Recovery time varies depending on the procedure, but most athletes follow a similar timeline:

• Physical therapy begins soon after surgery

• Return to non-contact activities around 4 to 6 months

• Full contact sports typically resume after 6 to 9 months

A structured rehabilitation program is key to a full recovery. Collaboration between the surgeon, therapist, and athletic trainer helps ensure a safe return to play.

Reducing the Risk of Future Shoulder Dislocations

• Strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles

• Focus on proper form and posture

• Follow a rehab plan before returning to sports

• Practice safe techniques during contact activities