Shoulder Instability
Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The socket is shallow which allows for movement in many directions. Because of this, it is at risk for instability. In a healthy shoulder, the ball is centered on the socket with the help of the capsule which is a strong tissue comprised of ligaments. The shoulder also relies on tendons that work in conjunction with each other to add stability. These tendons are the rotator cuff and the deltoid.
Shoulder instability can occur as a partial or complete dislocation. Instability is a greater risk for those who have suffered previous shoulder dislocations. Those with naturally occurring loose ligaments, also known as doubled-jointedness, are also at risk.
Treatment typically varies depending on the underlying condition of the instability. Many experience recovery through physical therapy. However, certain factors increase the risk for recurrent injury and further disability. These include age, sex, activity and sport participation, degree of laxity or looseness, and bony injury.
Symptoms
- Pain, swelling, or numbness on the affected shoulder
- Decreased movement of the shoulder and upper arm
- Weakness in the shoulder and upper arm
- A bump or deformity on the affected shoulder
Causes
- Previous or chronic shoulder dislocations
- Loose ligaments also known as doubled-jointedness
- Repetitive overhead motions
- Seizures
Risk Factors
- Participating in sports that require repetitive overhead movement or high-impact contact to the shoulder such as hockey, football, volleyball, and swimming
- Occupations that require repetitive overhead movement or elevated risk of trauma to the shoulders
- Increased risk of recurrent dislocations if your first dislocation occurred at a young age
- Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan’s syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Seizure disorders
- The OAL staff is always friendly and polite. Your diagnosis and treatment are explained in great in detail, so you truly understand what is going on. They also go above and beyond with insurance to get things preapproved, I would never go to another place.
- I was seen by Dr. Luchetti and he was great! It was easy to make a timely appointment and his tech was fun to chat with while I had the injection in my thumb! Loved the office at Spooky Nook. There was allot of parking and the office was marked well and made finding it easy! I would refer anyone there!
- A very professional organization, with a relaxed and friendly staff.
- I was amazed at the speed in which my daughter was seen by a doctor at urgent care. I just assumed it would be at least a 30 minute wait. Instead, we were in and out in 30 minutes!
- #1 in my book! This team replaced my right knee, and are now in the prep stages to replace the left one. One stop shopping as far as diagnosis, actual surgery at Lancaster General, along with rehab. The surgery team is great, and the rehab team very easy to work with and very thorough.