Current trends in the management of recurrent anterior shoulder instability

The glenohumeral joint is innately complex and comprised of both static and dynamic stabilizers. Anterior glenohumeral instability has been estimated to have an incidence of 11.2 cases per 100,000 persons and typically follows a traumatic injury. Although there are specific instances when conservative management is advocated, a majority of these patients are treated with operative stabilization. Recent advancements in arthroscopy have created a shift from the traditional open stabilization procedures towards more minimally invasive arthroscopic stabilization procedures. This comprehensive review will summarize current concepts involved in evaluating patients with anterior glenohumeral instability and specifically focus on those patients who suffer from recurrent instability.