Repeated shoulder dislocations are referred to as chronic shoulder instability. Throwing athletes are the most likely group to suffer this problem. Microtrauma from overuse or acute trauma are two common causes. The dislocation is usually in the anterior (forward) direction. There are many factors that contribute to this type of dislocation.

Chronic shoulder dislocations (usually in the forward or anterior direction) can be a challenge, but they are not insurmountable. The first thing the surgeon will want to do is evaluate your situation and see what went wrong. There are multiple things that could have contributed to the failure. Finding them all and treating the whole package is essential for a successful result.

Athletes who repeatedly dislocate the shoulder often have more than one problem going on. Studies show that in the majority of cases, there was more than one problem. And the additional problems weren't recognized or repaired, leaving the shoulder at risk for failed surgery. The surgeon evaluating patients with shoulder instability wants to provide the best possible results and reduce the risk of failure.

Shoulder replacements are available now and are usually reserved for older adults with severe osteoarthritis that is painful and limiting motion and function. Some time ago, artificial shoulder joint replacements were made available to younger patients with arthritis. But enough time has passed that we now know from short- to mid-range follow-up studies that this isn't always the perfect solution. The implant can wear out or loosen. Then it has to be replaced.

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder isn't always something older people experience. Sometimes younger adults (ages 20 to 50) develop pain, stiffness, and loss of motion and function from arthritic changes in the joint. Although the effects are the same, the causes often differ between young and old. Older adults tend to develop arthritis as a result of aging and joint degeneration from many, many years of use.

It's very disturbing to have shoulder surgery and still end up with pain, stiffness, and a feeling that the shoulder just isn't going to hold up. Sometimes it's not just a bad feeling -- the shoulder may be unstable enough to dislocate repeatedly. That's a condition referred to as shoulder instability. When it occurs after surgery to repair a shoulder injury, then it's considered a failed shoulder stabilization surgery.

Today, there are more than 70 different shoulder systems on the market. The surgeon must evaluate carefully which option might work best for different types of patients. Sometimes there's really more than one that could work. So, the surgeon must examine each patient carefully in making that final decision as to which one to choose.

Back in the 1970s, there was only one prosthetic implant available for patient's needing a total shoulder replacement (TSR). Today, there are more than 70 different shoulder systems on the market.

Back in the 1970s, there was only one prosthetic implant available for patient's needing a total shoulder replacement (TSR). Today, there are more than 70 different shoulder systems on the market. In this review article, surgeons from the William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan present information on the major types of prostheses surgeons use most often.

Studies show you aren't alone. More and more adults over the age of 45 are reporting shoulder injuries such as a rotator cuff tears and superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions. As you have discovered for yourself, the labrum is a dense ring of fibrous cartilage around the rim of the acetabulum (shoulder socket). It helps deepen the socket and increases shoulder stability. If the labrum is torn from front to back, it's called a SLAP lesion.