Shoulder dislocations in the young patient

Shoulder dislocations in the young patient are common injuries, and their outcomes are affected by age, activity level, and associated injuries. Patients that are young (≤20 years old) and return to contact sports have a higher incidence of recurrence? Older patients more commonly suffer dislocations from a fall and have a higher risk of associated fractures, rotator cuff tears, and vascular injuries but a lower risk of recurrent instability. Initial treatment focuses on early protection and activity restriction followed by meticulous rehabilitation. Young athletes suffering a traumatic first locked anterior dislocation who intend to return to collision sports are considered for arthroscopic repair of the acute capsuloligamentous injury. Most patients are treated with exercises and therapy to restore motion and muscle coordination. Surgery is considered only if symptoms persist despite these efforts.