Shoulder instability surgery
- Management of joint instability
What is shoulder joint instability and shoulder dislocation?
The shoulder joint one of the most complex joints in the human body, which gives the arm a high degree of mobility and flexibility. However, this wide range of motion means a higher risk of injury.
And joint complexity and fragility often leads to shoulder joint laxity and shoulder dislocation.
- Shoulder joint laxity, or shoulder insatbility is mostly due to genetic factors is based, however, on the can be caused by trauma. Shoulder instability means that the shoulder joint does not hold the humerus properly, which can lead to dislocations or subluxations. This dislocation can be total or partial, as already mentioned.
- In shoulder instability, the head of the humerus does not completely leave the glenoid socket. This displacement can be total or partial.
- General instability of the shoulder the head of the humerus does not completely leave the diaphragm. The patient feels that his muscles are weak, and there may be an uncomfortable, unstable sensation when moving overhead. Pain, mild swelling and a popping sound are common accompanying symptoms. These symptoms may occur specifically in people with loose connective tissue.
Shoulder dislocation is an extremely painful condition, and its symptoms are visible to the eye. The dislocation causes the patient to assume a forced posture. The affected limb cannot move at all. In this condition, even walking and simple movements are extremely painful. In the case of a shoulder dislocation urgent medical attention is essential.
Dr. Bálint Major
Company Specialist
Orthopedic-traumatologist general practitioner
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The follow-up consultation fee is valid for 3 months after the initial examination, for the same complaint.
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If you cannot find an available appointment for your chosen week, please call our call center on +36 1 44 33 433 for assistance. Our staff will be happy to help you make an appointment with the doctor of your choice or another specialist according to your complaint.
What are the most common causes of shoulder instability?
Shoulder instability can be caused by several factors:
- Traumatic injuries, such as falls or sports accidents, directly affect the shoulder. Traumatic events can cause dislocation of the shoulder, and the soft parts of the joint can also suffer severe damage, such as muscle tears or cartilage tears.
Repetitive, overhead strenuous movements can gradually damage the joint. Causing inflammation and various unstable conditions. - Genetic predisposition, anatomical abnormalities may also be involved, which increase the risk of shoulder sprains. In this case, the joint capsule is made up of connective tissue that is slightly more elastic and loose than the average.People with this genetic predisposition are also more likely to have subluxations.
- There is also a third type of shoulder instability. TIn this case, some of the rotator cuff muscles do not function properly. When the muscles are used, they do not spontaneously contract and relax, so the shoulder may dislocate posteriorly. This type of dislocation is activated by certain movements and arm positions
Shoulder dislocations can also be classified according to their direction:
- In the vast majority of cases, about 95%, the dislocation is anterior-inferior. It affects mostly young people and those who lead active, sporty lives.
- Posterior dislocation is extremely rare and is usually caused by an epileptic seizure or electric shock. It can also be caused by the muscle dysfunctions already mentioned.
Dr. Balázs Gloviczki PhD
Orthopaedic-traumatologist, shoulder specialist
Online appointment booking for Budafoki út:
Please select the appropriate service
Control fee: HUF 35 000, for 3 months after the initial examination, for the same complaint.
- 1. Select the service you need from the drop-down box!
- 2. Use the calendar to choose a date that suits you!
- 3. Enter your details to register or login with your previous registration!
- 4. If you would like to make a reservation on behalf of someone else (e.g. your child), please let us know at the location provided.
- 5. Briefly describe your complaints!
- 6. Select the type of consultation: initial examination, control examination or prescription.
- 7. Click on the button to book your appointment. Thank you for choosing BMM!
If you are unable to make the appointment you have already booked, please, at least 24 hours before notify us of your intention to withdraw. This gives other patients the opportunity to get the medical care they need in time. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
Resignation: +36 1 44 33 433
If you cannot find an available appointment for your chosen week, please call our call center on +36 1 44 33 433 for assistance. Our staff will be happy to help you make an appointment with the doctor of your choice or another specialist according to your complaint.
How can shoulder dislocation be treated?
Depending on their type, they warrant different treatment protocols. The most important aspect of shoulder dislocation is to get the dislocated limb back in place as soon as possible. Repositioning is always carried out by a doctor. It is not a good idea to try to put it back at home, because you can only cause more trouble.
- First X-ray image is made from the dislocated shoulder.
- Based on this diagnosed by a doctor, whether it is only a slight displacement or whether the surrounding tissue has been damaged. Whether there has been a tear in the muscles, ligaments, torn cartilage, or damaged bone.
- If there is no serious tissue damage, the reduction is done manually. In this case it is very important that the patient can relax his muscles and his whole body as much as possible. This may involve the administration of a painkilling injection. If the patient is still unable to relax the muscles, the limb will be repositioned under anaesthesia.
- In case of more serious injury (fracture, tear) surgical treatment of the shoulder dislocation is necessary.
- Shoulder stabilisation surgery can be performed by open exploration, but is most commonly performed by arthroscopic surgery.
- Surgery may be an ideal solution for recurrent shoulder dislocations.
- Surgery can be an ideal solution not only for traumatic cases but also for recurrent shoulder dislocations.
- In all cases, the aim is to prevent recurrent dislocations and to restore healthy shoulder joint function.
When is conservative therapy a good choice and when should you opt for shoulder dislocation surgery?
There are several ways to treat shoulder instability, depending on the type of shoulder instability. BMM shoulder surgeons, such as Dr. Bálint Major also recommends surgery if it is absolutely necessary. The patient will be fully informed about possible surgical options.
Shoulder instability surgery
- Most often trauma cases proposed. In this case, joint damage occurs at the same time as the dislocation. A torn muscle or ligament, or even a broken cartilage, cannot be treated with conservative therapy. The specialist will then recommend arthroscopic or open shoulder surgery to repair the tissues. Shoulder dislocation surgery followed by appropriate physiotherapy rehabilitation can restore the ability to play sports and live a full life.
In the case of shoulder dislocation surgery, it is important to know that the vast majority of mobility can be regained within 3 months after surgery. Some types of sport can be performed at this time, but full recovery is possible 6 months after the operation.
Conservative therapy
- In the long term mainly involves physiotherapy. In that case it is optimal, if the shoulder dislocation is due to patient's connective tissue laxity. So it is genetic predisposition and not trauma.
In a non-traumatic shoulder dislocation, the shoulder is manually put in place, but afterwards it is very important to rest and spare the arm properly. This includes wearing a shoulder immobilizer or sling (as prescribed by your doctor for a few weeks) and avoiding overhead movements.
Conservative therapy may include medication, which is used to relieve pain and swelling. In some cases, steroid injections may be given to relieve symptoms.
To avoid recurrent dislocations, it is important to strengthening the muscles, increasing long-term stability of the shoulder.
Shoulder instability surgery
Arthroscopic stabilisation surgery
The arthroscopic (arthroscopic) procedure is done using a minimally invasive method, where the doctor performs an intervention through tiny incisions in the shoulder joint. A special camera (arthroscope) placed in the shoulder allows the surgeon to see and treat joint damage. Arthroscopic shoulder dislocation surgery may be required due to the severity and nature of the injury. The advantage of this type of surgery is that it has fewer scars and usually a shorter rehabilitation time than the traditional open surgery type.
Latarjet surgery
During the Latarjet procedure, the surgeon transposes, or moves, a piece of bone into the shoulder joint, improving its stability and preventing further dislocation. The operation may be particularly ideal for people who have had previous procedures with no lasting results or who have a particular type of shoulder dislocation (e.g. multiple dislocations) there is a need for stronger stabilisation.
For both surgical procedures, the main aim is to restore stability to the shoulder joint and reduce the risk of dislocation. After shoulder stabilisation surgery, special attention should be paid to rehabilitation and physiotherapy to ensure adequate range of motion and strength of the shoulder.

Post-operative physiotherapy after shoulder dislocation surgery
Physiotherapy is also key to recovery after shoulder dislocation surgery. An designed with the help of an expert physiotherapist physiotherapy programme helps restore shoulder movement, strength and functionality.
Physiotherapy is also key to recovery after shoulder
dislocation surgery. An designed with the help of an
expert physiotherapist physiotherapy programme
helps restore shoulder movement, strength and
functionality.
It is essential that after a shoulder dislocation (even in
the case of shoulder dislocation surgery and
conservative therapy), you do not start moving the limb
independently. Improper movements can do more
A physiotherapy specialist knows exactly how to help
you make the best possible recovery. In addition to
mobilizing exercises, optimal strengthening is also
necessary, but you need to be very conscious of it to
regain healthy functions.
Depending on the condition, physiotherapy sessions
may not only involve gymnastic exercises, but may
also involve manual techniques and physiotherapy equipment, such as laser therapy, shockwave therapy or TECAR therapy.
It is essential that the therapist always uses the most
relevant treatment method, individually adapted to the
patient's problem.
Home rehabilitation
Physiotherapy does not end after surgery. Working at home is also very important. To this end, the physiotherapist will give the patient homework to help them recall and practise the active exercises done in class.
Exercise with a therapist and individually at home is essential for a full recovery from shoulder dislocation and to avoid recurrent dislocations.
The most common shoulder conditions treated by our specialists:
Our patients' opinions
Our specialist specialist
Dr. Bálint Major
Senior Specialist Orthopaedic-traumatologist
Dr. Balázs Gloviczki PhD
Orthopaedic-traumatologist, shoulder specialist
Dr. György Kocsis PhD
Orthopaedic trauma surgeon and hand surgeon, assistant professor, specialist in wrist, elbow and shoulder surgery, upper limb specialist
Dr. Ferenc Tompai
Orthopaedic and trauma surgeon
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