Anterior Shoulder Instability
Shoulder instability can present as symptomatic and asymptomatic laxity, dislocation, and subluxation. There are several mechanisms that contribute to anterior shoulder instability including both soft tissue injuries and bony injuries. These injuries include Bankart lesions, humeral avulsions of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL), glenoid labral articular defect (GLAD), and anterior labral periosteal sleeve avulsion (ALPSA), Hill–Sachs lesions, bony Bankarts, and tuberosity fractures. Diagnosis is paramount to determining timely treatment to prevent further injuries and recurrent instability. To successfully treat anterior shoulder instability, surgeons should address the labrum, chondral surfaces, and bony fractures and defects. This chapter includes key points to guide clinicians in diagnosis and management of the more common causes of anterior instability.
