SHOULDER INSTABILITY
Recurrent Shoulder
Dislocations
Once a shoulder has dislocated, the risk of another dislocation often increases—especially in young, active patients. Recurrent instability can lead to progressive damage to the labrum, bone, cartilage, and rotator cuff, making treatment more complex over time.
Shoulder Comes Out Of Socket
Labrum & Bone Can Worsen
Risk Increases After First Event
Prevent Future Injury
Why Does The Shoulder Keep Dislocating?
The first dislocation often tears the stabilizing structures of the shoulder, including the labrum and ligaments. In some patients, these tissues do not heal well enough to restore normal stability, allowing the shoulder to slip out again with sports, falls, or even routine activities.
Risk Factors For Recurrence
- Young age
- Contact or collision sports
- Overhead athletics
- Generalized ligamentous laxity
- Large labral tears
- Bone loss
Common Symptoms
- Repeated dislocations
- Shoulder "slipping out"
- Apprehension with overhead motion
- Pain after instability events
- Loss of confidence in the shoulder
- Difficulty returning to sports
Why Repeated Dislocations Matter
Each instability event has the potential to cause additional damage. As bone loss increases and the labrum becomes more damaged, surgical reconstruction often becomes more complex.
Labrum
Progressive tearing of the stabilizing cartilage.
Bone Loss
Loss of bone from the front of the glenoid can reduce stability.
Hill-Sachs Lesion
Compression fracture of the humeral head may enlarge with repeated dislocations.
Cartilage
Repeated instability may contribute to premature arthritis.
Dr. Streit's Clinical Perspective
One of my primary goals is to prevent the second, third, and fourth dislocation—not simply treat the shoulder after repeated instability has caused additional damage. In young active patients, early stabilization is often the best way to preserve bone, cartilage, and the long-term health of the shoulder.
Every patient is different, but recurrent instability is rarely a problem that improves simply by waiting.
Choosing The Right Operation
The best procedure depends on your age, activity level, bone loss, soft tissue injury, and previous surgeries.
Bankart Repair
Often recommended when bone loss is minimal and the labrum can be repaired arthroscopically.
Learn More →Bankart + Remplissage
Used when a significant Hill-Sachs lesion is present without substantial glenoid bone loss.
Latarjet Procedure
Preferred for significant glenoid bone loss, certain collision athletes, or failed prior Bankart repair.
Learn More →When Is Surgery Recommended?
- Recurrent shoulder dislocations
- Persistent instability despite rehabilitation
- Young athletes after a first traumatic dislocation with high risk of recurrence
- Bone loss or significant structural injury
- Inability to safely return to sports or work
Related Resources
Ready To Discuss Your Shoulder?
Whether you've experienced your first dislocation or have recurrent instability, a careful evaluation can help determine the most appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of future shoulder damage.
Request Consultation