Condition · Shoulder
Recurrent shoulder dislocation and instability
Instability occurs when the humeral head moves excessively relative to the glenoid. After a dislocation, certain positions may cause apprehension, subluxation or recurrent complete dislocation. Each episode can add damage to the labrum, cartilage or bone.
Clinical context
What you should know
The risk of recurrence depends on age, sport, joint laxity, the number of episodes and glenoid or humeral bone loss. Multidirectional instability is assessed differently from traumatic anterior dislocation.
An acute dislocation should not be reduced by the patient or an untrained person because a fracture or neurovascular injury may be present.
First step
Consultation and assessment
After reduction, sensation and circulation are checked and radiographs are taken. In recurrent instability, the examination assesses direction, laxity and muscular control.
MRI can show the labrum and capsule, while CT quantifies bone loss when this may change the choice between arthroscopic repair and a bone procedure.
Stepwise treatment
Options are chosen according to the diagnosis and treatment goal
Conservative treatment
- rehabilitation for the rotator cuff, scapular control and proprioception
- temporarily modifying positions and sports that reproduce instability
- a progressive return based on strength and control criteria
- reassessment if new episodes, neurological deficit or loss of function occur
Medication, injections and devices each have their own indications and contraindications. They are not recommended automatically and do not replace a diagnosis or monitoring of the response.
When surgery is considered
Arthroscopic stabilisation repairs the labrum and capsule in suitable cases. Substantial bone loss, bipolar lesions or recurrence after previous surgery may require different procedures; the choice is based on measurements and the patient's activity.
Do not delay
Signs that require prompt assessment
- a shoulder that remains dislocated or a visible deformity
- numbness, new weakness or a reduced pulse after dislocation
- severe pain after injury with a suspected fracture
In an emergency or if symptoms are severe, call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Concise answers, without blanket promises
Why does the shoulder dislocate again?
The labrum, capsule and sometimes bone may remain damaged. The risk increases with each episode, especially in younger patients and in contact or overhead sports.
Does every case of instability require surgery?
No. Some forms respond well to rehabilitation, particularly when laxity and poor muscular control predominate. Recurrent dislocation and structural damage may shift the balance towards surgical stabilisation.
Editorial responsibility
Medically reviewed content
Dr. Răzvan Anițaș
Consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon; PhD in medical sciences
Last editorial update: 22 August 2026
Medical reference sources
First step
Consultation, diagnosis and a clearly explained plan
This content is educational and does not replace medical assessment. Similar symptoms can have different causes and require different treatments.