Management of acute anterior shoulder instability in adolescents

Traumatic anterior shoulder instability is a common orthopaedic problem encountered in adolescents. Approximately 90% of patients who experience their first traumatic instability event before the age of 20 will go on to have recurrent episodes if appropriate interventions are not pursued. Acute shoulder dislocations should be reduced promptly. Definitive management may be surgical or nonsurgical. Adequate assessment of concomitant pathology is essential in planning management and optimizing outcomes. Ultimately, the management algorithm will depend on the patient's age, type of sport, timing in season, and concomitant pathology.