Limited time75% off all plans
Get the app

Shoulder Instability

Shoulder Instability

Shoulder Instability

On this page

Anatomy & Biomechanics - Anatomy's Tightrope Act

  • Glenohumeral Joint (GHJ): Inherently unstable; relies on static & dynamic stabilizers.
  • Static Stabilizers:
    • Glenoid: Shallow; retroversion 2-7°.
    • Labrum: Fibrocartilage, deepens glenoid.

      ⭐ Labrum increases glenoid depth by ~50%.

    • Ligaments:
      • SGHL: Resists inferior translation (adducted).
      • MGHL: Limits ER at 0-45° abd. (📌 MGHL May Go Hiding - often variable).
      • IGHLC: Main anterior stabilizer in ABER position (90° abd. + ER).
    • Negative intra-articular pressure.
  • Dynamic Stabilizers:
    • Rotator Cuff (SITS): Compresses humeral head.
    • Long Head of Biceps (LHB): Depresses head.
    • Scapulothoracic rhythm.

Shoulder Joint Ligaments and Tendons

Classification & Lesions - Decoding the Wobble

  • Etiology: Traumatic, Atraumatic, Microtraumatic (repetitive).
  • Direction: Anterior, Posterior, Inferior (Luxatio erecta), Multidirectional (MDI).
  • Severity: Dislocation (complete) vs. Subluxation (partial).

⭐ Anterior instability is the most common type (approx. 95%).

FeatureTUBSAMBRI
EtiologyTraumaticAtraumatic
DirectionUnidirectional (usually Anterior)Multidirectional
PathologyBankart lesionOften bilateral, capsular laxity
TreatmentSurgery (often required)Rehabilitation (primary), Inferior capsular shift (if surgery)
📌 MnemonicTorn Loose, Bankart, SurgeryAtraumatic, Multidirectional, Bilateral, Rehabilitation, Inferior capsular shift
- **Bankart Lesion**: Anteroinferior labrum & IGHL detachment.
    + Bony Bankart: Involves glenoid rim fracture.
    ![Bankart Lesion: Anterior Inferior Labral Tear](https://ylbwdadhbcjolwylidja.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/notes/L1/Orthopaedics_Sports_Medicine_Shoulder_Instability/65208883-ee75-4d5f-a02a-ad846fcd87f8.jpg)
- **Hill-Sachs Lesion**: Posterolateral humeral head impaction fracture.
    ![Bankart Lesion of the Shoulder](https://ylbwdadhbcjolwylidja.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/notes/L1/Orthopaedics_Sports_Medicine_Shoulder_Instability/c556102e-ee01-497a-bdd2-d17524683119.jpg)
- ALPSA: Anterior Labrum Periosteal Sleeve Avulsion.
- HAGL: Humeral Avulsion of Glenohumeral Ligament.
- SLAP: Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior tear.

Diagnosis & Evaluation - Clinical Detective Work

  • History: Mechanism (FOOSH, direct blow, overuse), prior dislocations, pain, clicking, "dead arm" sensation. Differentiate TUBS vs. AMBRI.
  • Examination: Observe (asymmetry, atrophy), palpate key structures, assess active/passive ROM. Neurovascular status crucial.
  • Special Tests:
    Test CategoryKey Tests
    Anterior InstabilityApprehension, Relocation, Surprise
    Posterior InstabilityPosterior Drawer, Jerk Test
    Inferior InstabilitySulcus Sign (Grades +1/+2/+3)
    Labral/SLAPO'Brien's, Crank Test
  • Imaging:
    • X-rays: AP, Grashey, Axillary lateral. Consider West Point (bony Bankart), Stryker Notch (Hill-Sachs).

    ⭐ The West Point axillary view is best for imaging a bony Bankart lesion.

    • MRI/MR Arthrogram: Gold standard for labral tears, capsular injury, RTC.

Management Principles - Fixing the Flux

  • Goal: Restore stability & function; prevent recurrence & arthropathy.
  • Conservative Management (Often first-line):
    • Immobilization (sling for comfort, brief duration).
    • Physiotherapy: Key for AMBRI. Focus on rotator cuff, deltoid, and scapular stabilizer strengthening.
    • Activity modification.
  • Surgical Management (Indications vary by instability type):
    • TUBS: Often requires surgery after first dislocation in high-demand individuals or for recurrence.
      • Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: For labral tears without significant bone loss.
      • Latarjet Procedure: For significant glenoid bone loss >20-25% or failed soft-tissue repair.
    • AMBRI: Surgery (e.g., capsular shift/plication) if extensive physiotherapy fails.
    • 📌 Mnemonic (Instability Types & Treatment Bias):
      • TUBS: Traumatic, Unidirectional, Bankart lesion, Surgery often needed.
      • AMBRI: Atraumatic, Multidirectional, Bilateral, Rehabilitation (primary), Inferior capsular shift (if surgery).

Bankart vs. Latarjet: Patient-reported outcomes over 2 years

⭐ Latarjet procedure is indicated for recurrent anterior instability with significant glenoid bone loss (typically >20-25%) or failed previous soft tissue repairs.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Anterior instability (95%) is most common, from abduction & external rotation.
  • Bankart lesion (anteroinferior labral tear) is pathognomonic for traumatic anterior instability.
  • Hill-Sachs lesion (humeral head impaction) often co-exists with Bankart.
  • Key acronyms: TUBS (Traumatic, Unidirectional, Bankart, Surgery) & AMBRI (Atraumatic, Multidirectional, Bilateral, Rehabilitation).
  • Tests: Apprehension, Relocation (anterior); Sulcus sign (inferior/MDI).
  • High recurrence of traumatic dislocations in young, active patients.
  • Posterior instability often follows seizures/electric shock.

Continue reading on Oncourse

Sign up for free to access the full lesson, plus unlimited questions, flashcards, AI-powered notes, and more.

CONTINUE READING — FREE

or get the app

Rezzy — Oncourse's AI Study Mate

Have doubts about this lesson?

Ask Rezzy, your AI Study Mate, to explain anything you didn't understand

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

START FOR FREE