Postoperative Rehabilitation of Posterior Glenohumeral Joint Instability Surgery: A Systematic Review

Posterior glenohumeral (GH) joint instability is uncommon compared with anterior and multidirectional instability. A variety of surgical techniques are used to treat posterior GH instability. As a result, there are numerous rehabilitation protocols that vary greatly. The objective of this review was to define, evaluate and compare the postsurgical rehabilitation protocols for patients treated surgically for posterior GH instability. The review contains articles that outline a rehabilitation protocol following a surgical repair of posterior GH instability. A multidatabase search was conducted. Two independent, blinded reviewers decided on inclusion and exclusion of each study, with a second round to resolve conflicts. Data was extracted from the pertinent studies after the grading of evidence was conducted by 2 reviewers. Sixteen studies of the original 859 were included. Most studies included a 3-phase to 4-phase protocol that consisted of immobilization, remobilization, strength training, and sport-specific training. A review of current literature shows a paucity of high-quality studies regarding outcomes of rehabilitation following surgery for posterior GH instability. Most studies had favorable results, with most patients returning to their presurgical level of activity.