Treating the athlete with anterior shoulder instability

Acute traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation is a relatively common occurrence in the athletic population. Although the overall incidence of traumatic shoulder instability in the general population is only 1.7%, the incidence in a high physical-demand population is two-fold greater. Instability often becomes a recurrent pattern and jeopardizes athletic performance and participation. A thorough assessment and discussion with the patient with respect to treatment decision-making are critical in the management of anterior shoulder instability.