Shoulder instability in athletes. The Asian perspective

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
• Athletic Shoulder Instability
• Asian Healthcare Systems

Background:

• Increasing interest in athletic shoulder instability within Asian orthopaedic sports medicine.
• Prevalence in East Asian countries due to popularity of overhead and throwing sports.
• Need for region-specific clinical assessment and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification of athletic shoulder instability, focusing on rotator interval injuries.
• To present a systematic clinical assessment plan tailored to Asian healthcare contexts.
• To discuss management options, including Bankart repair, capsular shift, and arthroscopic surgery, considering cultural and regional factors.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of literature on athletic shoulder instability in Asia.
• Analysis of classification systems, including rotator interval injuries.
• Discussion of clinical assessment and surgical management strategies.

Main Results:

• Rotator interval injury is a key aspect of shoulder instability classification.
• Clinical assessment must account for regional considerations and healthcare costs in Asia.
• Bankart repair with capsular shift is a common surgical choice, with attention to multidirectional and posterior instability.
• Arthroscopic surgery is increasingly utilized, with its indications and limitations discussed.

Conclusions:

• Management of athletic shoulder instability in Asia requires consideration of patient attitudes and cultural backgrounds.
• Arthroscopic techniques offer promising options but require careful evaluation of indications and limitations.
• A tailored approach to assessment and treatment is crucial for addressing athletic shoulder instability in the Asian population.