RECOVERY PROBLEMS
Why Does My Shoulder
Still Feel Unstable After Surgery?
Shoulder surgery is intended to restore stability, confidence, and function. If your shoulder still slips, shifts, feels loose, or continues to dislocate after surgery, a careful evaluation can identify the cause and determine the best path forward.
Persistent Instability
Find The Cause
A Failed Operation
Restore Confidence
What Does Instability Feel Like?
Not every patient describes instability as a complete dislocation. Some people feel their shoulder slip, shift, catch, or simply feel unreliable during certain activities. These symptoms can be just as important as a true dislocation.
Dr. Streit's Philosophy
The first question isn't "Did the surgery fail?" The first question is "Why does your shoulder still feel unstable?" The answer often determines whether rehabilitation, additional imaging, or revision surgery is appropriate.
Common Causes Of Persistent Instability
Recurrent Labral Tear
The repaired labrum may have detached again.
Bone Loss
Loss of bone from the glenoid or humeral head can make stability difficult.
Capsular Laxity
Some patients naturally have very flexible shoulder capsules.
Traumatic Reinjury
A new injury can compromise a previous repair.
Muscle Dysfunction
Weakness or poor shoulder mechanics can contribute to a feeling of instability.
Implant-Related Problems
After shoulder replacement, instability may relate to soft tissues or implant positioning.
How Is Persistent Instability Evaluated?
A thorough evaluation includes understanding your original injury, previous operations, current symptoms, and activity level. Physical examination is combined with imaging to identify the specific reason your shoulder remains unstable.
History
When did instability return, and under what circumstances?
Physical Examination
Specialized instability testing helps identify the underlying pattern.
Advanced Imaging
MRI or CT may be needed to evaluate soft tissues, bone loss, or implants.
Treatment Options
Physical Therapy
Strengthening dynamic stabilizers may restore confidence in selected patients.
Activity Modification
Temporary changes may reduce episodes while rehabilitation progresses.
Revision Labral Repair
Some recurrent tears can be repaired successfully.
Latarjet Procedure
Bone augmentation may be appropriate when significant bone loss is present.
Revision Shoulder Replacement
Instability after shoulder replacement sometimes requires revision surgery.
Individualized Planning
The best treatment depends on why your shoulder remains unstable—not simply that it is unstable.
What I Tell My Patients
"My goal isn't simply to keep your shoulder from dislocating. My goal is for you to trust your shoulder again. That requires identifying exactly why it's unstable and choosing the treatment most likely to restore lasting stability."
When Should You Seek Another Evaluation?
Another Dislocation
Any recurrent dislocation deserves evaluation.
Persistent Apprehension
You constantly worry your shoulder will come out of place.
Difficulty Returning To Sports
Your shoulder prevents you from returning to the activities you enjoy.
Loss Of Confidence
You avoid normal activities because you don't trust your shoulder.
New Injury
A new trauma after surgery should be evaluated promptly.
Considering Another Operation
A second opinion is often valuable before revision surgery.
Related Resources
Don't Trust Your Shoulder?
Persistent instability after shoulder surgery is frustrating, but it is often understandable and treatable. A shoulder-specific evaluation can identify the underlying problem and determine the treatment most likely to restore stability and confidence.
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