Shoulder Instability

Some of the common symptoms of shoulder instability include pain with certain movements of the shoulder; popping or grinding sound may be heard or felt.

Shoulder instability can be a condition which may have developed from birth or following a traumatic event such as a sporting injury, a fall, or car accident.

Shoulder instability is a chronic condition in which there is a loss of control and stability of the shoulder joint which leads to interference with joint function causing pain, and in severe cases resulting in frequent dislocations of the shoulder joint.

A dislocation occurs when the end 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; popping or grinding sound may be heard or felt, swelling and bruising of the shoulder may be seen immediately following subluxation or dislocation.

Visible deformity and loss of function of the shoulder occurs after subluxation or sensation changes such as numbness or even partial paralysis can occur below the dislocation as a result of pressure on nerves and blood vessels.

The risk factors that increase the chances of developing shoulder instability include:

Injury or trauma to the shoulder
Falling on an outstretched hand
Repetitive overhead sports such as baseball, swimming, volleyball, or weightlifting
Loose shoulder ligaments or an enlarged capsule

Treatment

Closed Reduction

The goal of conservative treatment for shoulder instability is to restore stability, strength, and a full range of motion. Conservative treatment measures may include the following:

Following a dislocation, your Orthopaedic surgeon can often manipulate the shoulder joint, usually under anaesthesia, realigning it into proper position. Surgery may be necessary to restore normal function depending on your situation

Medications

Over the counter pain medications and NSAID’s can help reduce the pain and swelling. Steroidal injections may also be administered to decrease swelling

Rest

Rest the injured shoulder and avoid activities that require overhead motion. A sling may be worn for 2 weeks to facilitate healing

Ice

Ice packs should be applied to the affected area for 20 minutes every hour

Physiotherapy

Our team of Physiotherapists will help you through the initial phases of recovery following a dislocation of your shoulder. In the early phases our goal is to allow healing while maintaining posture and muscle mass. In a first time shoulder dislocation then physiotherapy is of upmost importance. Urgent MRI scans are performed to delineate the exact site of your injury if you have a bony bankart lesion you may require surgery urgently. Our physiotherapists will also guide you in the rehabilitation phase and strengthening phases of your shoulder dislocation.

Shoulder Stabilisation Surgery

When these conservative treatment options fail to relieve shoulder instability, your surgeon may recommend shoulder stabilisation surgery.

Shoulder stabilisation surgery improves stability and function to the shoulder joint and assists in prevention of recurrent dislocations. It can be performed arthroscopically, depending on your particular situation, with much smaller incisions.

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which an arthroscope, a small flexible tube with a light and video camera at the end, is inserted into a joint to evaluate and treat of the condition. The benefits of arthroscopy compared to the alternative, open shoulder surgery are smaller incisions, minimal soft tissue trauma, less pain leading to faster recovery.

Shoulder Surgery

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