What is Shoulder Instability?

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body and therefore one of the most prone to dislocation.

Shoulder instability occurs when the ball of the shoulder joint slips partially or completely out of its socket.

Subluxation = partial slipping out of the joint

Dislocation = complete displacement of the shoulder from its socket

What Causes Shoulder Dislocation?

Common causes include:

• Falls on an outstretched hand
• Sports injuries
• Road traffic accidents
• Contact sports such as rugby or wrestling
• Seizures or electric shocks (less common)

Most dislocations occur in the forward direction (anterior dislocation).

Who is at Higher Risk of Recurrent Dislocations?

The risk of repeated dislocations is highest in:

• Teenagers and young adults
• Athletes
• Contact sports players
• Individuals involved in heavy manual work
• Patients with naturally loose joints

Young patients who sustain their first dislocation before the age of 20 years have a particularly high risk of recurrence.

Common Symptoms

Patients may experience:

• Severe pain after injury
• Shoulder "popping out" sensation
• Visible deformity
• Inability to move the arm
• Repeated episodes of instability
• Feeling of the shoulder slipping or giving way
• Loss of confidence during overhead activities

How is Shoulder Instability Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on:

• Clinical examination
• X-rays
• MRI scan
• CT scan (when bone loss is suspected)

These investigations help identify important injuries such as:

• Bankart lesion (tear of the labrum)
• Hill-Sachs lesion (compression injury to the humeral head)
• Glenoid bone loss

How is shoulder dislocation / instability treated?

Initial Treatment

The first episode of shoulder dislocation is usually treated by:

• Gentle relocation of the shoulder
• Sling support for 2-4 weeks
• Pain medication
• Physiotherapy
• Muscle strengthening exercises

Many patients recover well after their first dislocation.

When is Surgery Recommended for Shoulder Instability / Dislocations?

Surgery may be advised when:

• Shoulder dislocations keep recurring
• Physiotherapy fails to control instability
• The patient is young and active
• There is associated bone loss
• The patient participates in contact sports
• The patient performs heavy physical work

Early stabilisation often prevents further damage to the shoulder joint.

Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilisation (Bankart Repair)

Dr. Anand Jadhav performs most shoulder stabilisation procedures using advanced arthroscopic (keyhole) techniques.

During surgery:

• The torn labrum is repaired.
• The stretched ligaments are tightened.
• Shoulder stability is restored using specialised suture anchors.

Advantages of Arthroscopic Stabilisation

• Tiny scars
• Less pain
• Minimal blood loss
• Faster recovery
• Short hospital stay
• Excellent cosmetic results

What is a Latarjet Procedure?

In patients with significant bone loss or multiple dislocations, a Latarjet procedure may be recommended.

This involves transferring a small piece of bone to the front of the shoulder socket to improve stability and prevent further dislocations.

The procedure is particularly useful for:

• Contact athletes
• Rugby players and wrestlers
• Heavy manual workers
• Failed previous stabilisation surgery
• Significant bone loss

How is the recovery after Shoulder Stabilisation Surgery?

Typical recovery milestones include:

• Sling support: 4-6 weeks
• Return to office work: 2-4 weeks
• Strengthening exercises: 8-12 weeks
• Return to sports: 4-6 months

A structured physiotherapy programme is essential for achieving the best results.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Repeated shoulder dislocations can lead to:

• Progressive bone loss
• Larger labral tears
• Cartilage damage
• Shoulder arthritis
• More complex surgery in the future

Early specialist assessment helps preserve shoulder function and improve long-term outcomes.

Why Choose Dr. Anand Jadhav?

Dr. Anand Jadhav has over 30 years of orthopaedic experience and specialises in:

• Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
• Shoulder Stabilisation Surgery
• Latarjet Procedures
• Sports Shoulder Injuries
• Revision Shoulder Surgery

His goal is to restore shoulder stability, confidence and function, allowing patients to safely return to work, sports and active lifestyles.