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In shoulder instability the shoulder joint feels loose as though the ball is falling out of the socket in extreme cases the shoulder dislocates repeatedly and has to be reduced back into normal position.
It may occur following an injury such as a fall or commonly in contact sports such as rugby where the shoulder dislocates damaging the tissues. It may also occur spontaneously due to general laxity of the joint.
In shoulder instability, the shoulder joint feels loose as though the ball is falling out of the socket in extreme cases the shoulder dislocates repeatedly and has to be reduced back into a normal position. It may occur following an injury such as a fall or commonly in contact sports such as rugby where the shoulder dislocates damaging the tissues. It may also occur spontaneously due to general laxity of the joint.
Why does the shoulder become unstable? The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. It is a ball and socket joint. A number of structures are required to keep the shoulder joint stable. These include:
Any disturbance to the normal anatomy of these structures of these structures may result in shoulder instability.
In a shoulder dislocation the glenoid labrum commonly detaches from the bone making the shoulder more susceptible to further dislocations.
A number of treatment options are available: Physiotherapy may help to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint. Click here to book a Physio appointment.
If the glenoid labrum has been torn, then surgery may need to be performed to reattach the torn glenoid labrum to the bone. This restores normal anatomy and reduces the likelihood of further dislocations. This can be done either by an open operation or through arthroscopic or keyhole surgery.
If there is a large capsule this may be tightened, again by either open surgery, or through keyhole surgery using radiofrequency to shrink the tissues.
This is a decision that should be made in consultation with your surgeon. It depends on the lifestyle you lead, the number of dislocations you have had and the interference with normal daily living.
Studies have shown that if you are young (under 30), actively involved in sports and have had a shoulder dislocation, then there is a 50% chance of having a further dislocation in the future.
In certain circumstances, arthroscopic stabilisation of an unstable shoulder is not possible. For example, when in addition to a torn labrum, a piece of bone has detached from the socket (glenoid) of the shoulder. Arthroscopic intervention may also not be appropriate if there is a large divot of bone taken from the back of the ball (humeral head – Hill Sachs lesion) of the shoulder joint when the shoulder dislocates.
In these cases, open surgery is necessary to compensate for the bone injuries. The procedure involves the transfer of part of the coracoid bone to the front of the glenoid, thereby replacing missing bone or deepening the socket, such that there is increased contact between the ball and the socket. In addition, muscle attachments to the coracoid are transferred adding to the stability by acting as a sling in front of the shoulder.
In order to perform the surgery, the patient will usually have regional anaesthesia involving a nerve block to the arm, supplemented with general anaesthetic. The operation is generally performed as a 1 – 2 night stay dependent on pain.
A wound is made over the front of the shoulder usually 8 – 10 cm in length. The coracoid is divided and transferred to the front of the glenoid, where it is held with a screw.
In order for the bone to heal, the arm will be immobilised in a sling for approximately 4 – 6 weeks, before the shoulder range of movement is re-established. During the initial period, many patients experience significant sleep disturbance and regular analgesia is likely to be required. It is not possible to drive whilst the arm is in the sling.
A strengthening programme is subsequently employed usually light weights 6 – 8 weeks post-surgery. Non-contact sport is usually recommended 3 months following the surgery, with contact activity initiated between 4 – 6 months dependent on progress. Rehabilitation may continue for 9 months following the procedure. Commitment to the physiotherapy programme is fundamental to the success of the surgery.
The aim of this procedure is to repair the torn labrum and ligaments in the shoulder following a dislocation. This returns tissues to the normal position and thereby tightens the shoulder preventing further dislocation.
In order to perform the surgery, the patient will usually have regional anaesthesia involving a nerve block to the arm, supplemented with either sedation or a general anaesthetic. In some instances. The patient may watch the operation on the monitor in theatre. The operation is generally performed as a day case or overnight stay if performed later in the day.
Usually, 3 small (0.5 cm) wounds are made around the shoulder in order to allow the passage of the arthroscope (camera) and the instruments into the shoulder. Most commonly there is one wound at the back of the shoulder and two wounds at the front.
Bioabsorbable, or occasionally metal, anchors are inserted into the socket (glenoid) of the shoulder joint, after small holes ( 2.8 mm ) have been drilled. Sutures attached to the anchors are then passed through the torn labrum, called the Bankart lesion, and are then tied such that the labrum is repaired back to the bone.
In order for the labrum to heal, the arm will be immobilised in a sling for approximately 3 weeks, before the shoulder range of movement is re-established. During the initial period, many patients experience significant sleep disturbance and regular analgesia is likely to be required. It is not possible to drive whilst the arm is in the sling.
A strengthening programme is subsequently employed usually allowing light weights 6 – 8 weeks post-surgery, with contact activity initiated between 3 – 5 months dependent on progress. Rehabilitation may continue for 6 months following the procedure. Commitment to the physiotherapy programme is fundamental to the success of the surgery.
Following arthroscopic stabilisation surgery, the risk of redislocation is 5% provided certain preoperative parameters are met, and confidence to participate in normal activities should be restored.
SLAP lesions are often repaired by an arthroscopic operation. The basic principle is to repair the torn labrum and hence the attachment of the long head of the biceps tendon, which has become detached from the shoulder socket (glenoid). This is achieved using sutures and bone anchors, which are usually bioabsorbable.
In order to perform the surgery, the patient will usually have regional anaesthesia involving a nerve block to the arm, supplemented with either sedation or a general anaesthetic. The operation is generally performed as a day case or overnight stay if performed later in the day.
Approximately 3 small (0.5cm) wounds will be made about the shoulder in order to allow the arthroscope (camera) and other instruments into the shoulder.
In order to place the anchors, small holes will be drilled into the bone (2.8 cm). The sutures are then passed through the torn labrum and then tied down, stabilising the tissue back to the bone.
In order for the labrum to heal, the arm will be immobilised in a sling for 2 – 3 weeks before the shoulder range of movement is re-established. During the initial period, many patients experience significant sleep disturbance and regular analgesia is likely to be required. It is not possible to drive during this phase.
A strengthening programme is subsequently employed usually allowing light weights 3 – 6 weeks post-surgery, depending on the magnitude of the injury. Non-contact sports are normally able to resume 6 – 8 weeks post-surgery, with contact sports at 3 months post-operation.
To ask a question about a shoulder instability or to book an appointment, contact our specialist team available:
Our shoulder team have a dedicated and caring approach and will seek to find you the earliest appointment possible with the correct specialist for your needs.
If you have medical insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa PPP, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer for authorisation for any treatment and, in most cases, you will require a referral letter from your GP.
If you do not have a GP, then we have an in-house private GP practice that you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstance.
Call us on 020 7806 4004 or email us at [email protected].
With a team of experts, our London-based Shoulder Unit offers diagnosis and treatment of injuries and musculoskeletal conditions affecting the shoulder. Our state-of-the-art facilities include operating theatres, physiotherapy and imaging.
Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 020 7806 4004.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
