Shoulder Stabilization
Specialized management by Dr. Stéphane Vasseur
Indications
Surgery is indicated for recurrent traumatic instabilities and symptomatic instabilities.
Surgical indications:
- Recurrence of dislocations in young/athletic subjects
- Persistent apprehension despite well-conducted rehabilitation
- Significant glenoid bone loss or engaging Hill-Sachs lesion
- Symptomatic multidirectional instability
Related pathology: Shoulder instability
Operative principle
Capsulolabral repair (Bankart) under arthroscopy for instability without significant bone loss. Coracoid transfer (Latarjet) when bone loss or major recurrences.
The intervention can be performed under arthroscopy (minimally invasive technique) or by open surgery depending on the lesions and clinical context.
Postoperative course and rehabilitation
- Sling 2–3 weeks
- Progressive mobilization, strengthening from 6 weeks
- Return to contact sports: 3–6 months depending on procedure
Risks
- Stiffness, recurrence of instability
- After Latarjet: nonunion, nerve irritation (rare)