Traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in adolescents.
BACKGROUND
Recurrent instability is the most common complication after traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in young patients.


OBJECTIVE
The rate of recurrent instability in a homogeneous population of adolescents after initial traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation is significant and is associated with a guarded prognosis for full recovery.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study.


METHODS
We identified 32 patients 11 to 18 years of age treated at our institution for a radiographically documented traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation; we performed a functional outcome assessment on 30 patients with use of two standard scoring systems.


RESULTS
Overall, instability recurred in 24 of 32 patients, with 23 experiencing at least one recurrent dislocation. Persistent instability led 16 of 32 to undergo a shoulder stabilization procedure. There were no significant differences in the functional outcome of patients who had undergone surgical stabilization and those who were treated nonoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
The recurrence rate of shoulder instability was 75%. Outcome scores were similar for patients treated with a surgical procedure and those treated nonoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment efforts must be aimed at optimizing shoulder strength and stability. Prognosis for full recovery remains guarded. Available outcome instruments may not discriminate well between patients who do and do not choose surgery.
Deitch
John
J
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA.
Mehlman
Charles T
CT
Foad
Susan L
SL
Obbehat
Amir
A
Mallory
Mia
M
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D011379:Prognosis; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome