Return to Sport following Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization

Abstract

Background

Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization for anterior instability should enable athletes to return to their full pre-injury level of sport.

Methods

We reviewed case notes and sent postal questionnaires to establish the recurrent instability rate and also the rate of return to sport in athletes after surgery.

Results

In 120 procedures, surgery achieved successful stabilization in 88%, but only 51% returned to full sporting activity. Patients aged 30 years or under were twice as likely to return to their pre-injury level of sport than those aged over 30 years. Half of those patients who did not return to sport had no subjective symptoms of instability but were inhibited by fear of further injury alone. Successful stabilization of the shoulder did not always translate into the desired outcome.

Conclusion

In order to increase the number of athletes returning to sport following primary arthroscopic stabilization of the shoulder, those patients with no restrictive symptoms should be encouraged to return to full activity. We plan to tailor rehabilitation to the specific needs of individual patients and now feel better able to inform athletes deciding on surgery.