Treatment of Shoulder Joint Instability
Shoulder joint instability commonly arises after a dislocation, where the humeral head moves out of the socket and compromises the stabilising soft tissues. As a medical tourism agency, we assist patients affected by this condition by coordinating access to experienced orthopaedic specialists, advanced diagnostics and tailored treatment options. Persistent pain, weakness and fear of recurrent dislocation are common concerns that professional assessment can address.
What is shoulder joint instability?
To understand shoulder joint instability, it is helpful to first define the shoulder joint itself. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, which allows movement in all planes. It is formed by two bones – the humerus and the scapula. Their joint surfaces are covered with cartilage to reduce friction, and the stability of the joint is maintained by ligaments and soft tissues connecting these structures.
What symptoms may accompany a shoulder joint dislocation?
Any suspicion of dislocation, particularly with sensory or circulation changes, requires urgent medical assessment.
If a shoulder joint dislocation occurs, how can it be treated?
A dislocated shoulder joint must be repositioned as soon as possible to restore contact between the joint surfaces. This is typically done under anaesthesia, either by injecting a local anaesthetic into the joint to reduce pain or by sedating the patient. The doctor then performs specific manoeuvres to guide the head of the humerus back into its correct position in the glenoid cavity of the scapula.
How can chronic shoulder instability be treated?
The treatment of chronic shoulder instability depends on the extent of the damage, the structures involved and any previous surgical procedures. Surgery can be performed using either arthroscopic or open techniques.
Arthroscopic method
In the arthroscopic method, a camera and surgical instruments are inserted into the joint through small skin incisions. This allows repair of soft tissue structures such as ligaments and joint cartilage. In some cases, small bone defects resulting from traumatic dislocation can also be treated arthroscopically.
Open surgical method
In the open method, the joint is accessed through a larger incision that passes through all tissue layers. This provides better visualisation of the joint and improved access to anatomical structures. Open surgery is typically used for reconstructive procedures requiring coverage of large bone defects or repair of soft tissue structures when previous arthroscopic treatment has been unsuccessful.
What is shoulder joint instability?
To understand shoulder joint instability, it is helpful to first define the shoulder joint itself. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, which allows movement in all planes. It is formed by two bones – the humerus and the scapula. Their joint surfaces are covered with cartilage to reduce friction, and the stability of the joint is maintained by ligaments and soft tissues connecting these structures.
To understand shoulder joint instability, it is helpful to first define the shoulder joint itself. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, which allows movement in all planes. It is formed by two bones – the humerus and the scapula. Their joint surfaces are covered with cartilage to reduce friction, and the stability of the joint is maintained by ligaments and soft tissues connecting these structures.
Can a shoulder joint dislocation recur?
For many patients, shoulder dislocation becomes a recurrent problem. When this occurs, it is referred to as habitual shoulder dislocation or chronic shoulder instability. Contributing factors include:
What does the recovery process after surgery look like?
Following surgery, the upper limb is immobilised in a special orthosis to restrict movement in the shoulder joint and provide optimal healing conditions. The duration of immobilisation varies depending on the type of surgery performed. Once the orthosis is removed, rehabilitation begins, focusing on strengthening the muscles and ligaments that stabilise the shoulder.
The length and intensity of rehabilitation depend on the patient’s age, pre-operative physical condition and whether they plan to return to sports or heavy physical activity.
Disclaimer
*The Pax Medicus website provides information for guidance only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pax Medicus does not provide healthcare services and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional. Always seek advice from your physician regarding any medical condition. Prices shown are indicative only and subject to confirmation by the healthcare provider. This is the official website of Pax Medicus; we do not operate through agents or third-party sites.
BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY
Simply fill in the form below and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
