What are the different types of shoulder dislocation, subluxation, and instability?
The wide range of problems that contribute to shoulder instability can be defined in several ways, including: • SEVERITY: subtle, mild to moderate, severe (as described above) • DIRECTION: anterior, posterior, multidirectional • MECHANISM: traumatic or atraumatic In fact, the severity, direction and mechanism all influence how the shoulder should best be treated, so all of these factors must be considered. SEVERITY In most cases of subtle, mild and moderate forms of shoulder instability, the surgeon may recommend an attempt to stabilize the shoulder through a physical therapy and strengthening program. A certain subset of individuals (contact athletes, overhead laborers, and people who have failed a trial of physical therapy) may require surgery. Severe shoulder instability, manifested by frequent dislocations and subluxations during normal activities of daily living are less likely to resolve without surgery, but are also most difficult to treat. A subset of patients who may not impro
