Shoulder instability is an inability to maintain the humeral head in the centre of the glenohumeral capsule during shoulder movements due to ligament laxity. There are 3 types:
- Traumatic – due to dislocation or a labral tear usually from a fall or contact to the shoulder.
- Atraumatic – congenital looseness in the shoulder due to hypermobility.
- Acquired – due to repetitive microtrauma.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Feeling like the arm is going to subluxate or ‘pop out’ during certain shoulder movements.
- Clunking or popping during shoulder movements.
- Numbness/tingling around the shoulder and down the arm.
- Weakness
- Pain with certain movements.
- Muscle wastage