Posterior Instability of the Shoulder

Preoperative Considerations

The diagnosis and management of posterior instability of the shoulder can be challenging. Posterior instability may be easily overlooked because the initial patient presentation can be confusing; patients present relatively infrequently, and are often referred with a diagnosis other than shoulder instability. As always, obtaining an accurate history and diagnosis and accounting for intraoperative pathology are prerequisites for a successful outcome in the treatment of posterior instability of the shoulder.

Biomechanical and clinical studies have advanced our current understanding of the pathophysiology of posterior shoulder instability and of clinical symptoms and examination findings. Additionally, the development of improved implants and advanced arthroscopic techniques have allowed the orthopedic surgeon to provide relatively reliable surgical results in patients with posterior shoulder instability.

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Patient Stories

Life changing patient stories

Read about Jack a multi-sport athlete, who suffered from a multi-ligament tear in his knee. Read about Abigail who fell and tore her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). Life changing stories of patients healed by Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel.

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