[Recurrent instability and luxation of the shoulder]

Instability and recurrent dislocation of the shoulder result from injuries affecting the capsule, ligaments or bones. The positive diagnosis rests on careful clinical investigation where a well-oriented questioning plays an essential role. Paraclinical examinations, such as radiography, ultrasonography, CT and MRI, provide a very accurate assessment of the state of relevant structures. Surgical treatment consists of a stabilizing operation which may be Bankart operation (i.e. suture of the detached capsule onto the anterior part of the glenoid labrum), or a Latarget operation (i.e. screwing of a bony buttress) when the anterior part of the glenoid labrum is deformed by a fracture or worn out by frequent passages of the humeral head. When thoughtfully decided and well executed, these operations regularly give excellent results with resumption of previous activities at the same performance level.