title: Arthroscopic treatment of posterior shoulder instability: a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the early and midterm outcomes of arthroscopic stabilization for posterior shoulder instability.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for related articles published in the English language. The 2 authors selected studies for inclusion or exclusion. The inclusion criteria included a minimum of 1 year of follow-up, with at least 20 patients in the study population.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We included 6 studies, with a total of 387 patients (396 shoulders). All studies were retrospective, Level IV studies, except for 1 prospective study (Level II). In 81.06% of cases, patients reported a significant traumatic episode. The mean follow-up period was 44.4 months, and the mean recurrence rate was 5.37%. Most of the patients were able to return to sport (mean, 92.5%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The early and midterm results of arthroscopic stabilization of the shoulder for posterior instability are promising. Most of the patients were satisfied with the results of surgery and were able to return to sport. Larger studies and more prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level IV, systematic review of 1 Level II study and 5 Level IV studies.
authors.affiliation: Shoulder Unit, Hospital of St. John & St. Elizabeth, London, England. Electronic address: dimitral@hotmail.co.uk.
authors.forename: Dimitra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Leivadiotou
authors.affiliation: The Royal Free Hospital, London, England.
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ahrens
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery*