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Published on: November 8, 2024
Shoulder instability with concomitant bone loss in the athlete.
Justin W Griffin1, Stephen F Brockmeier1
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, both surgical and nonsurgical, address humeral and glenoid bone deficiencies for return to sport.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Persistent shoulder instability is a common challenge in athletes.
- Quantifying bony deficiency is crucial for effective treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the evaluation and management of athletes with persistent shoulder instability.
- To emphasize the role of imaging in assessing bone loss.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination and advanced imaging, including 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT).
- Assessment of both humeral and glenoid bone loss.
- Consideration of surgical (arthroscopic or open) and nonsurgical treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- 3D CT effectively quantifies the severity of bony deficiency in the shoulder.
- Addressing both humeral and glenoid bone loss is often necessary.
- Treatment choice depends on the extent of bone loss, patient demands, and surgeon expertise.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive evaluation and appropriate imaging are key to managing shoulder instability in athletes.
- Surgical and nonsurgical interventions can restore shoulder stability and enable return to sport.
- Tailored treatment strategies considering bone loss are essential for optimal outcomes.
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