John D. MacGillivray, M.D.: InjuryDetail: Shoulder Instability
 
Injuries and Conditions: Shoulder: Shoulder Instability: Medical Details
 
Overview
The shoulder joint is known for its mobility and not for its stability. The ligaments that surround the joint capsule play an important role in stabilizing and supporting the shoulder during any movement. When one or several of these ligaments is injured due to repeated wear and tear or a traumatic event, shoulder stability is reduced and the risk of subluxation or dislocation is increased.



Causes of Injury
  • A traumatic event such as a fall on an extended arm or a direct blow to the shoulder.
  • Shallow or abnormally formed joint surfaces (congenital) of the glenohumeral joint.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis or other diseases, which affect the ligaments and tissue surrounding the shoulder joint.
  • A loose or unstable shoulder resulting from repetitive wear and tear or previous shoulder injury or previous shoulder dislocation



    • Diagnosis
    To confirm the diagnosis of shoulder instability, an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon should be made. The appointment will consist of a thorough history, including the mechanism of injury, physical examination and diagnostic imaging studies. Medical tests and diagnostic imaging studies will be performed to evaluate the severity of your injury and to determine the presence of any underlying conditions.
  • X-Rays of the shoulder joint and adjacent structures.
  • EMG nerve conduction study to assess the arm and shoulder for nerve damage.
  • Apprehension Test
  • Posterior/Anterior Drawer Test

    • Anatomy 


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     Product Considerations
    Thera-Band
    The Thera-band system of resistance provides both a positive and negative force on the muscles; improving strength, range of motion and conditioning of muscle groups. Thera-Bands are made from latex and are color-coded based on the level of resistance they provide.

    The selected band easily attaches to a door where a wide range of strength training exercises can be preformed. The advantage of the wide band design is in the distribution of the resistive force upon the joints and muscles. Thera-Band therapy is highly affected in treating shoulder injuries where passive strength training is required and when specific muscle groups must be targeted. Shoulder muscles can be strengthened using the Thera-Band without having to apply excess force to the actual shoulder joint.

    About the Clinical Review Team