Traumatic Anterior Instability: Treatment Options for Initial Instability

Because of the lack of bony restraints and minimal articular contact, the glenohumeral joint can attain significant range of motion; however, this results in the propensity for instability. The most generic form of instability, traumatic anterior instability, reliably produces a series of pathoanatomic findings. While reliable, these findings contribute to the complexities of caring for patients after an initial instability event. Numerous studies have examined this issue and determined that careful consideration of patient factors can guide successful treatment, whether it be surgical or nonsurgical, after initial instability. Such forms of treatment have shown to provide a good functional outcome and decreases morbidity. To be able to provide successful treatment requires a thorough understanding of the pathoanatomic of an instability event and the intricacies of the evaluation of a patient after an initial instability event.