So-called traumatic shoulder instability is an instability of the shoulder that is caused when luxation of the shoulder occurs during an accident (e.g. a fall during sport). The consequence is typically a tear and/or a massive strain of the capsule ligament apparatus, as a result of which further luxation may occur with comparatively negligible stresses.

In nearly all cases of the traumatic form of shoulder instability, it is not possible to effect healing by means of physiotherapeutic measures. In order to avoid recurrence or fresh dislocation of the shoulder, the preferred therapy is therefore almost always surgical reconstruction of the capsule ligament apparatus. Arthroscopic procedures are to be recommended in particular, since only a very small hole through the skin is necessary, no large scars remain, and concomitant injuries, for example to the rotator cuff can be better assessed and treated than with open procedures. 

The skill of the surgeon is of primary importance

Arthroscopic stabilization techniques rely above all on experience and on technical perfection, and patients should take this into consideration when selecting a doctor. Depending on the pattern of injury, the surgeon will, for example, tighten the joint capsule and ligament structures back to normal length and attach a torn fibrocartilage ring to the edge of the socket. It is otherwise in the case of so-called atraumatic shoulder instability that can be caused, among other things, by a genetic tendency towards a slack capsule ligament apparatus. These patients have a significant chance of stabilizing their joint sufficiently by means of physiotherapeutic measures, although in these cases an arthroscopic reconstruction is often also necessary for permanent prevention of luxation.