TRAUMATIC ANTERIOR SHOULDER INSTABILITY: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF CURRENT LITERATURE

Traumatic anterior shoulder instability (TUBS) is defined as one-directional shoulder instability that is often associated with Bankart lesions and glenoid bone loss. If not managed properly it can lead to recurrent shoulder dislocation. TUBS usually occurs as a result of traumatic dislocation. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to achieve favorable outcomes and prevent long term complications.

This narrative review offers a comprehensive overview of traumatic anterior shoulder instability, with an aim to cover all aspects including patient presentation, tools that can aid in diagnosis and both conservative and operative management options. This is done with special emphasis on patient-centered care.

This review is based on peer-reviewed articles and summarizes the diagnostic principles, both conservative and operative management criteria, and recent operative techniques including arthroscopic Bankart repair, and the Latarjet procedure.

The diagnosis of TUBS is multifactorial, depending on factors such as patient history, clinical tests and imagining such as MRI to evaluate the soft tissue and assess bone integrity. Conservative treatment was found to be a suitable option for elderly patients, but young active individuals benefited more from surgery. The choice of which operative technique to use depends on the extent of bone loss and patient-specific factors.

Effective treatment of traumatic anterior shoulder instability requires a personalized approach, with consideration for anatomical variation, recurrence rates and the patient's activities of daily living. While Conservative management has a role in select patients, early surgical treatment is favorable for good functional outcomes in high-risk patients. Advancements in imaging and operative techniques are essential to improve management protocols and long-term shoulder stability.