Comprehensive Review of Shoulder Instability in the Female Athlete

Female athletes are susceptible to traumatic anterior shoulder instability, possibly due to higher levels of ligamentous laxity leading to soft tissue capaciousness. Rates of shoulder instability are near equal between male and female athletes. Rehabilitation is the initial treatment to improve scapular stabilization and rotator cuff strengthening. If conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment includes arthroscopic versus open Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability. Surgical intervention for multidirectional instability may include open inferior capsular shift or arthroscopic capsular plication. Postoperative rehabilitation focuses on regaining the full range of motion and strength to pre-injury values before returning to performance.