Arthroscopic surgery for shoulder instability

Abstract

Shoulder instability is a complex set of conditions that have become much more commonly treated with arthroscopic techniques in the past 5 years. Discerning operative techniques, outcomes, and applying these results to other populations has been plagued by varied classification schemes. Additionally, objective measurements to determine capsular laxity have been, and are to date lacking. In this review we examine the most recent repair techniques for arthroscopic shoulder stabilization used in the various studies. The results of arthroscopic surgery are certainly improving and are approaching those of open techniques while avoiding the morbidity of open procedures.

There are few randomized studies of arthroscopic treatment of anterior instability versus open repairs. Due to the relatively recent advent of arthroscopic treatment of posterior and posteroinferior instability, only case series exist in the literature for review. The selected articles have consistent definitions of instability and it is therefore possible to compare results. The results show that newer techniques of arthroscopic repair of unstable shoulders are an effective treatment. Results are approaching those of traditional open repairs, including those for contact athletes.

Arthroscopic techniques for shoulder instability repair are still evolving, but newer techniques allowing the address of the pathology has put arthroscopy on par with open surgery.