Recurrent dislocation of the shoulder after age fifty

Recurrent dislocation of the shoulder is infrequent in patients over the age of 50. In a small group of 6 patients with an average age of 64 years and multiple recurrences, 4 subsequently were treated by anterior capsulorraphy (Bankart). There was an unusual degree of loose jointedness in all 6 cases. When compared with a group of patients under the age of 30 with recurrent dislocation of the shoulder, the older group was functionally rated 19.4 out of a possible score of 25 points, compared with a rating of 10.8 in the younger group. In the older population, recurrent dislocation may become a problem if the patient is loose-jointed. Immobilization for 3 to 4 weeks may not be helpful in this group of patients. Anterior capsulorraphy is as successful as in younger patients and is not followed by unusual joint stiffness.