The shoulder joint consists of a ball and socket, and when these two become separated this is a dislocation. There are many causes but most commonly some traumatic injury causes the dislocation such as sports injuries, work injuries, falls, or motor vehicle trauma. The shoulder may partially dislocate and return spontaneously to its normal position, or it may come completely out of socket and require medical attention to place the ball back in the socket.

Younger patients (Age 25 and under) that are active in sports have a very high likelihood of repeat dislocation after sustaining their first injury. The chances range from 50%-90% that the shoulder will dislocate again. In this age group a more aggressive treatment approach involving early Arthroscopic Surgical Repair of damaged ligaments and cartilage is becoming an acceptable norm, much in the same way a torn ACL is surgically treated early to stabilize the knee joint. Many studies have now shown significant benefit to early surgical repair of the dislocating shoulder joint in young athletes.

Physical therapy will be enough to prevent repeat dislocation for many but not all patients in this age group and treatment is individualized depending on activity level, type of sport, and desire for return to sports.

Older patients (Age 25 and up) are not as likely to have repeat dislocations. Treatment is based on ability to function in life and work. For people who do not re-dislocate using a maintenance exercise routine may be all that is needed. For people who have instability or looseness in the shoulder that affects daily life or work, Arthroscopic Surgical Repair may be required.