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Shoulder instability with concomitant bone loss in the athlete.
Justin W Griffin1, Stephen F Brockmeier
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
Persistent shoulder instability in athletes requires thorough evaluation, including 3D CT scans, to assess bone loss. Treatment options, surgical or nonsurgical, address both humeral and glenoid bone defects for return to sport.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Persistent shoulder instability is a common challenge in athletes.
- Quantifying bony deficiency is crucial for effective treatment planning.
- Both humeral and glenoid bone loss often require simultaneous management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the evaluation and management of athletes with persistent shoulder instability.
- To emphasize the role of advanced imaging in assessing bone loss.
- To discuss surgical and nonsurgical treatment strategies for restoring shoulder stability.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination to assess shoulder instability.
- Utilization of advanced imaging, specifically 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT), to quantify bone loss.
- Consideration of surgical (arthroscopic or open) and nonsurgical treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- 3D CT imaging accurately quantifies the severity of humeral and glenoid bone deficiency.
- A comprehensive approach addressing both humeral and glenoid bone loss is often necessary.
- Tailored treatment strategies based on bone loss extent, patient demands, and surgeon expertise are key.
Conclusions:
- Accurate assessment of bony deficiency through imaging is vital for managing persistent shoulder instability in athletes.
- Both surgical and nonsurgical interventions can effectively restore shoulder stability.
- Restoring stability allows athletes to return to their previous level of activity.
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