Shoulder Instability

Learn about effective treatments and strategies for regaining shoulder stability at New York Sports & Joints, where you will discover state-of-the-art, personalized care.

Comprehensive Care for Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability can significantly impact your everyday activities, transforming ordinary tasks into strenuous challenges and diminishing your overall well-being. Our healthcare center provides comprehensive care for shoulder instability, a condition where the head of your arm bone repeatedly slips out of the socket. Our seasoned team employs advanced techniques to diagnose and treat shoulder instability, with a strong track record of positive outcomes and reduced recovery periods. When you choose us for your treatment, we're committed to helping you regain your shoulder's stability and return to your daily routines with as little discomfort or limitations as possible.

What is shoulder instability?

Shoulder instability is typified by a loose shoulder joint that allows excessive movement within the socket. It often becomes a chronic issue following a dislocation where the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) dislodges from the socket. This instability can result in frequent slipping or partial dislocation, known as subluxation, or even full dislocation.

What can cause shoulder instability?

This condition can arise due to an acute injury that expands or ruptures the shoulder ligaments or from overuse. Alternatively, it may be due to a naturally lax joint capsule failing to secure the humerus ball tightly in its socket. Athletes participating in sports involving repetitive overhead motions, such as tennis, volleyball, and swimming, are more prone to developing instability.

The shoulder is more susceptible to this type of condition than other joints due to its extensive range of motion. However, if a dislocation occurs, the shoulder's muscles, tendons, and ligaments may tear or loosen, causing recurrent slippage linked to instability.

Symptoms of shoulder instability

Individuals with unstable shoulders may suffer these symptoms:

Pain
Limited joint motion
Feeling as though the shoulder might dislocate if moved incorrectly

This fear can deter them from engaging in sports requiring overhead arm stretching. Younger patients experiencing a traumatic dislocation are more likely to develop shoulder instability.

How is shoulder instability diagnosed?

The diagnosis of shoulder instability typically involves a medical history review and physical examination. The examination may include specific movement tests to assess potential shoulder instability. Additionally, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be needed to visualize the bones and tissues around the shoulder clearly.

What are the treatment options for shoulder instability?

Initial treatment for shoulder instability often involves conservative measures such as:

Resting the affected arm
Physical therapy
Administering non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

However, when these approaches fail to provide relief, surgical treatment may be advised. The surgical procedure varies depending on the condition's cause but usually aims to tighten the shoulder's loose ligaments.

Surgery for shoulder instability

Two common types of instability surgery are Bankart repair and capsular shift procedures.

Bankart repair, used for dislocation-prone shoulders, involves removing torn or degenerated tissue and bone spurs that abrade the shoulder tendons. The surgeon then reattaches the torn ligaments to the bone using suture anchors.
A capsular shift decreases and tightens the overly large joint capsule by folding the affected ligaments over themselves and suturing them in this layered position.

These outpatient surgeries can often be performed through arthroscopy, offering minimally invasive procedures with smaller incisions and shorter recovery times.

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Recovery process

Post-surgery, patients must wear a sling or another immobilization device for several weeks to adequately support and protect the arm following shoulder instability surgery.

Who is an ideal candidate for shoulder instability treatment?

Ideal candidates for shoulder instability treatment are typically those who have experienced persistent discomfort, limited motion, or recurrent dislocations due to the condition. They may have tried conservative treatments without success and are now seeking more effective, long-term solutions.

Why Choose New York Sports & Joints Orthopaedic Specialists?

NY Sports & Joints Orthopaedic Specialists set the standard in orthopaedic care. Our highly trained, board-certified surgeons come from prestigious institutions like Princeton and Harvard. We offer services in English and Spanish, underlining our commitment to patient comfort and clear communication.

Our surgeons not only have extensive technical expertise but also display deep compassion, as revealed in volunteer work at Ground Zero in 2001. At NY Sports & Joints Orthopaedic Specialists, we use the latest techniques and advances, ensuring our patients get the most effective treatment options.

Our multidisciplinary team, specializing in a range of fields from sports medicine to joint replacements, works with a single goal: to restore your health and lifestyle. Choosing NY Sports & Joints Orthopaedic Specialists means entrusting your health to dedicated, highly trained, and compassionate professionals.