Treatment of The Posterior Unstable Shoulder

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Shoulder Instability Research

Background:

• Posterior glenohumeral instability accounts for approximately 5% of all shoulder instabilities.
• Therapeutic approaches for posterior shoulder instability remain a subject of debate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze surgical treatment alternatives for posterior shoulder instability.
• To review current literature on managing posterior glenohumeral instability.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of publications on posterior glenohumeral instability.
• Analysis of conservative and surgical treatment options.

Main Results:

• Conservative treatment is effective for many, but 65-80% may experience recurrent posterior dislocation.
• Surgical techniques (open and arthroscopic) address bone defects and soft tissue injuries.
• Treatment selection is individualized based on patient characteristics and injury type.

Conclusions:

• Individualized treatment plans are crucial for posterior glenohumeral instability, considering patient injuries, history, exam, and goals.
• Key complications include recurrent instability, avascular necrosis, and osteoarthritis.