The laser-assisted capsular shift procedure on an intercollegiate volleyball player: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
To present a new arthroscopic technique, the laser-assisted capsular shift (LACS), which decreases glenohumeral instability and reduces recovery time over traditional surgical procedures.


BACKGROUND
A student-athlete hyperabducted her right shoulder while diving for a ball during a volleyball match. She complained of pain, weakness, and inability to raise her arm above shoulder height in any plane.


METHODS
Capsular sprain, subluxation, rotator cuff strain, glenoid labral lesion.


METHODS
The student-athlete was unable to play due to pain and dysfunction and so elected to have the LACS procedure performed.


RESULTS
The LACS procedure is a relatively new procedure for tightening the capsule and decreasing glenohumeral instability. Immobilization and recovery time are reduced when compared with traditional treatment methods.


CONCLUSIONS
The LACS procedure appears to be a good alternative to some of the traditional methods used to treat glenohumeral instability.
Perkins
S A
SA
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL.
Massie
J E
JE