Arthroscopic treatment of shoulder instability: current concepts and techniques

The incidence of glenohumeral joint instability is estimated to effect between 2 and 8% of the population. It represents at least one third of all shoulder related emergency room visits. When one considers the spectrum of shoulder instability, including transient subluxation, the true incidence of glenohumeral instability is probably grossly under-reported. Although any age group can be affected, shoulder instability is primarily a disease of the young. The occurrence of instability is inversely proportional to the age of the patient and the time of original injury. A patient who dislocates for the first time as a teen can expect a redislocation rate approaching 90% in his or her lifetime. Therefore, many authors recommend early surgical treatment to repair the lesion.