Shoulder Instability

Definition[edit | edit source]

The term ‘shoulder instability’ is used to refer to the inability to maintain the humeral head in the glenoid fossa.[1] The ligamentous and muscle structures around the glenohumeral joint, under non-pathological conditions, create a balanced net joint reaction force. The relevant structures are listed below. If the integrity of any of these structures is disrupted it can lead to atraumatic or traumatic instability. Atraumatic instability commonly results from repetitive overhead movements or congenital joint features. Traumatic mechanisms of injury may result in frank dislocations where there is a loss of joint integrity. Instability can occur anteriorly, posteriorly, or in multiple directions regardless of mechanism of injury.

Common Categorisations of Shoulder Instability[edit | edit source]

Traumatic[edit | edit source]

Traumatic instability of the shoulder is a common condition, which, especially in young patients, is associated with high recurrence rates. Among the different types of this joint instability, the anterior dislocation due to trauma is the most common type, corresponding to more than 90% of the cases.[2]

Atraumatic[edit | edit source]

Atraumatic or (Non-Traumatic) Shoulder Instability is a subclassification of Glenohumeral Joint Instability, encompassing those for whom trauma is not considered the primary aetiology. [3]

Two Main Types of Atraumatic Instabilities

  1. Congenital Instabilities;
    • Laxity of structures in the shoulder which may be present since birth.[4]
  2. Chronic Recurrent Instabilities
    • May be seen after surgery for shoulder dislocation, due to glenoid rim lesions.[5]
    • Over time, microtrauma can lead to instability of the Glenohumeral Joint
Illustration adapted from Hayes2
Illustration adapted from Hayes

Clinically Relevant Anatomy [edit | edit source]

Many anatomic structures may lead to shoulder instability. These structures may include one or a combination of the following:

Static Stabilisers[edit | edit source]

Shoulder inside.png

Superior Glenohumeral Ligament (SGHL) [6]

  • Limits Anterior and Inferior Translation of Adducted Humerus
Illustration adapted from Hayes2

Medial Gleonohumeral Ligament (MGHL)

  • Limits Anterior Translation in Lower and Middle range of Abduction

Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament (IGHL)

  • Longest Glenohumeral Ligament
  • Primary Static Restraint against Anterior, Posterior and Inferior Translation when Humerus is Abducted beyond 45 Degrees

Glenoid Labrum

  • Increases depth of Glenoid Cavity
  • Increases stability up to 50% [4]

Negative Intra-articular Pressure [6]

  • Assists in Maximising Joint Congruency

Dynamic Stabilisers[edit | edit source]

Assist with holding the Humeral Head in the Glenoid Fossa during movement [4]

Primary[edit | edit source]

  • Rotator Cuff Muscles (Supraspinatis, Infraspinatis, Teres Minor, Subscapularis)
  • Long Head of Biceps
  • Deltoid

Secondary[edit | edit source]

  • Teres Major
  • Latissimus Dorsi
  • Pectoralis Major

Rotator Cuff Interval[edit | edit source]

This interval is a triangular-shaped area found in the shoulder, with borders noted below. A large rotator interval allows for increased anterior humeral head translation due the lack of structures supporting the joint capsule anteriorly.[4]

Illustration adpated from Glaskill

Superior Border: Anterior Margin of Supraspinatus

Inferior Border: Subscapularis  

Apex: Transverse Humeral Ligament              

Base: Coracoid Process


Potential Structures Involved in Individuals with Shoulder Instability
Anterior Posterior Multidirectional
SGHL,MGHL, Anterior IGHL SGHL, Posterior IGHL Dysfunction of Dynamic Stabilizers
Anterior Capsule Posterior Capsule Joint Capsule in 2 or more directions. Inferior capsule is primarily affected
Coracohumeral Ligament Coracohumeral Ligament All Structures involved in Anterior or Posterior instability can be affected
Superior Anterior Labrum

Long Head of Biceps

Subscapularis 

Epidemiology [edit | edit source]

98% of Primary Dislocations occur Anteriorly.[6] The rate of recurrence is most common in younger populations (see figure 1B3). The incidence of Congenital Instability is unknown.[4]

  Figure adapted from Hayes

Mechanism of Injury / Pathological Process[edit | edit source]

Traumatic[edit | edit source]

Most common Glenohumeral Dislocations occur in two directions and results in loss of Joint Integrity.

Anterior[edit | edit source]

  • Sports
  • Falls particularly when upper extremity is in 90° Abduction and External Rotation

Posterior[edit | edit source]

  • Seizures
  • Shock
  • Falls

Atraumatic[edit | edit source]

Two Types as Identified Above: congenital or chronic recurrent

Chronic Recurrent[edit | edit source]

Caused by repetitive extreme external rotation with the humerus abducted and extended (i.e.- pitching motion).[4] Instability may be caused by gradual weakening of the anterior and inferior static restraints. The humeral head will tend to move away from shortened structures. For example: posterior shoulder capsular tightness will cause the humeral head to shift anteriorly, resulting in a loss of integrity of all anterior structures. Commonly associated with participation in sports such as gymnastics, baseball, soft ball, tennis, swimming, and weight training.[4]

Common concomitant features or causes:

  • Bankart Lesion
  • Hill­Sachs Lesion
  • SLAP Lesion (Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior)
  • HAGL Lesion (Humeral Avulsion of Glenohumeral Ligaments)
  • ALPSA Lesion (Anterior Labroligamentous Periosteal Sleeve Avulsion)
  • Laxity of the Joint Capsule

Congenital Instability [4] [edit | edit source]

  • Hypoplastic Glenoid
  • Decrease Anterior-Posterior Diameter of Glenoid
  • Increased Retroversion of Glenoid
  • Increased Amount and Composition of Collagen and Elastin
  • Bony Anomalies

Clinical Presentation [edit | edit source]

Possible signs and symptoms of chronic/recurrent instability

Anterior Instability[edit | edit source]

  • Clicking
  • Pain
  • Complain of dead arm with throwing
  • Pain posteriorly
  • Possible subacromial or internal impingement signs
  • The patient may have a positive apprehension test, relocation test, and/or anterior release test
  • Increased joint accessory motion particularly in the anterior direction

Posterior Instability[edit | edit source]

  • Possible Subacromial or Internal Impingement
  • Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit (GIRD) may be present 
  • Pain
  • Clicking
  • Increased Joint Accessory Motion particularly in the posterior direction

Multidirectional Instability[edit | edit source]

  • Antero-inferior laxity most commonly presents with global shoulder pain, cannot pin point to a specific location
  • May have a Positive Sulcus Sign, Apprehension/Relocation Test, Anterior Release Tests
  • Secondary Rotator Cuff Impingement can be seen with microtraumatic events caused during participation in sports such as gymnastics, swimming and weight training[4]
  • Increased Joint Accessory Motion in multiple planes

Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Examination [edit | edit source]

Subjective History[edit | edit source]

May have history of trauma with or without a previous dislocation

May have history of lax joints (consider elbow, knee, thumb hyperextension[4]; use Beighton scale to evaluate hypermobility)

Activities of daily living may be difficult to complete

Global pain around shoulder[4]

Physical Examination[edit | edit source]

Screen Cervical Spine and Thoracic Spine

Observation/Palpation

  • Long Head of Biceps, Supraspinatus Tendon, AC Joint, SC Joint, Spine, 1st Rib, other Regional Muscles

Posture[7]

  • Asymmetry
  • Scapular Winging
  • Atrophy

Active ROM

  • Look for Apprehensive Behavior
  • Glenohumeral Flexion, Extension, Abduction, Adduction, Rotation - Internal & External, Scaption
  • Elbow Flexion and Extension

Passive ROM

  • May have Pain,
  • May have Stiffness

Muscle Length Testing

  • Upper Trapezius, Levator Scapulae, Scalenes, Latissimus Dorsi, Lower Trapezius, Pectoralis Minor, Pectoralis Major

Resistive Testing

Functional Testing[8]

  • Hand to Posterior Neck
  • Hand to Scapula
  • Hand to Opposite Scapula

Joint Accessory Motion Testing

  • Increased Mobility in the direction of the Instability (Anterior, Posterior, Multidirectional)

Scapular/Thoracic Motion[4]

Proprioception

Special Tests:

  • Possibly Sulcus Sign, Apprehension/Relocation and/or Anterior Release Tests depending on suspected form of Instability

Special Tests[edit | edit source]


Psychometric Properties of Special Tests
Test Sensitivity Specificity + LR -LR
Sulcus

0.17

0.93 2.43 0.89

Anterior 

Release Test[9]

0.92 0.89 8.36 0.09
Apprehension[10] 0.53 0.99 53 0.47
Relocation[10] 0.46 0.54 1 1


→ provocative tests used for detecting shoulder instability:
→ laxity examinations

Laxity Tests[edit | edit source]

Load and Shift Test[edit | edit source]

Application:

The patient lies on their back with the scapula on the table but the caput free. Load the caput humerus into the glenoid and then translate the caput in the anterior and posterior directions.

Conclusion:

The test aims to evaluate the amount of translation of the caput humerus on the glenoid. There are many methodes to grade the test but the most common one is the Hawkins grading. This method is considered to be the best one because it has a clinical basis. Hawkins divided the movement in four grades: Grade 0 = little to no movement; grade 1 = the humeral head rises up onto the glenoid rim; grade 2 = when the caput humerus can be dislocate but relocate spontaneously; grade 3 = when the head does not relocate after the pressure.

Clinical Bottom Line:

Tzannes and Murell [11] have concluded that this test is entirely reliable (p<0,0001) and a LR > 80 for instability.

Drawer Test[edit | edit source]

Application:

The patient is positioned supine. The examiner holds the patients scapula with his left hand while grasping the patient’s upper arm and drawing the humeral anterior head with his right hand. You can hold the shoulder in a different position.

Conclusion:

The test tells you more about the laxity. The test is positive when the thumb was felt to slide past the coracoid.

Clinical Bottom Line:

Tzannes and Murell [12] have concluded that this test is still to be assessed as to its validity and reliability.

Sulcus Sign[edit | edit source]

Application:

The patient’s elbow is pulled inferiorly while the patient is relaxed

Conclusion:

This manoeuvre tests the superior glenohumeral ligament. The test is positive when there is a sulcus of more than 2 cm between the acromion and caput humerus.

Clinical Bottom Line:

Tzannes and Murell[13] also evaluate this test as being completely reliable (p<0,0001). Nakagawa et al report a specificity of 0.93.

Provocative Tests [edit | edit source]

Anterior Release Test[edit | edit source]

Application:

In this test, the examiner applies posteriorly directed force to the humeral head, with the patient being in abduction and external rotation.

Conclusion:

The test is positive in case of pain or apprehension when easing the pressure.

Clinical Bottom Line:

In the light of the results of Tzannes and Murell [14](p<0,0001) and Ian et al [15] we can conclude that it is a reliable test for the detection of the unstable shoulder. Gross et al report a sensitivity of 0.92 and a specificity of 0.89, making this test useful to rule out shoulder instability with a negative result.

Apprehension/Augmentation Test

Application:

The apprehension test is being applied when the patient is lying or sitting with the shoulder in a neutral position (90° abduction). The examiner holds the patient’s wrist with one hand and with the other hand he applies anteriorly directed force to the humeral head.

Conclusion:

Signs of glenohumeral anterior instability are: pain, a feeling of subluxation or clear defence. If a relocation test is being applied almost immediately after the apprehension test and if this relocation test results to be negative, than we can decide that there is anterior instability.

Clinical Bottom Line:

Based on the results of Levy et al. [16]; Ian et al. [17] (sensitivity = 53 & specificity = 99), Tzannes and Murell [18] (p= 0,0004 pain and/or apprehension and a LR 8-100 for anterior instability) and Marx et al.[19], we are able to conclude that there is not sufficient clinical proof to detect or exclude instability. Lo et al report a specificity of 0.99.

Relocation Test[edit | edit source]

Application: 

The patient is in the starting position of the apprehension test and the examiner now applies posteriorly directed force to the humeral head.

Conclusion:

When this test results to be negative, there is glenohumeral anterior instability.

Clinical Bottom Line:

The article by Ian et al. [20] (sensitivity = 45 & specificity = 54) states that the relocation test is not clinically evident. However, other articles by Tzannes and Murell[21] (p= 0,0003 pain and/or apprehension) and Liu et al.[22] provide evidence to the contrary. Lo et al report poor psychometric properties on this test.

Outcome Measures[edit | edit source]

Disabilities of Shoulder, Arm, and Hand (DASH)

Quick DASH

Visual Analogue Scale

Diagnosis Specific Questionnaires[23]

  • Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index
  • Oxford Shoulder Instability Questionnaire
  • Melbourne Instability Shoulder Scale

Medical Management [edit | edit source]

Medical management will hinge on the specifics of the patient presentation including the mechanism of injury, severity, patient goals, etc. In some cases, particularly those with a traumatic mechanism, surgical intervention may be warranted to restore joint stability.

Types of Surgical Procedures for Traumatic Glenohumeral Dislocations[4]

Open Capsular Shift

Arthroscopic Thermal Capsulorraphy

Physical Therapy Management [edit | edit source]

Non-operative physical therapy management will vary in a case-by-case situation and each patient’s care should be individualized to target their specific goals. Physical Therapy management is largely impairment-based and response-driven as there is little high level evidence to assist decision making but commonly includes:

  • Education to Prevent Recurrence
  • Postural Re-education
  • Motor Control Training of specific muscles during functional activities (Rotator Cuff Muscles, Scapular Stabilizers)
  • Strengthening in particular the Deltoid, Rotator Cuff Muscles and Scapular Stabilisers
  • Stretching in particular Posterior Shoulder Structures, Pectoralis Major and Minor and any other muscles with flexibility impairments

Manual Therapy targeting impairments of mobility in the Glenohumeral, Acromioclavicular, Sternoclavicular Joints and Cervico-Thoracic Spine [24]

Post-Op Physical Therapy Management:

Depends on

  • Surgical Procedure
  • Surgeon’s Protocol 
  • Mechanism of Injury 
  • Concomitant Injuries 
  • Tissue Quality
  • Impairments noted at Evaluation

Clinical Bottom Line[edit | edit source]

Shoulder instability may have a traumatic or atraumatic cause. There is a high recurrence rate after primary shoulder dislocation, which is greatest in individuals < 20 years old. Rehabilitation should be based on each individual patient’s case with consideration to the type of surgery and surgeon’s preference where surgery is undertaken.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Tzannes A, Murrel, GAC. An assessment of the interexaminar reliability of tests for shoulder instability. The journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2004; 13:18-23.
  2. Rosa JR, Checchia CS, Miyazaki AN. Traumatic Anterior Instability of the Shoulder. Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia. 2017;52(5):513-20.
  3. Barrett C. The Clinical Physiotherapy Assessment of Non-Traumatic Shoulder Instability. Shoulder & Elbow. 2015 Jan;7(1):60-71.
  4. 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 Guerrero P, Busconi B, Deangelis N, Powers G. Congenital instability of the shoulder joint: assessment and treatment options. JOSPT. 2009;39(2):124-134.
  5. Charousset C, Beauthler V, Bellaïche, Guillin R, Brassart N, Thomazeau H. Can we improve radiological analysis of osseous lesions in chronic anterior shoulder instability? Orthop. Traumatol. Surg. Res. 2010;96:88-93.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Hayes K, Callanan M, Walton J. Shoulder instability: Management and rehabilitation. JOSPT 2002;23(10):497-509.
  7. Jaggi A. Rehabilitation for shoulder instability. Br J Sports Med 2010;44(5):333.
  8. Yang J, Lin J. Reliability of function-related tests in patients with shoulder pathologies. JOSPT. 2006;36: 572-576.
  9. Gross M, Disefano M. Anterior release test: A new test for occult shoulder instability. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 1997;339:105-108.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Lo IK, Nonweiler B, Woolfrey M, Litchfield R, Kirkley A. An evaluation of the apprehension, relocation, and surprise tests for anterior shoulder instability. Am J Sports Med.2004;32:301-7
  11. Tzannes A, Murrel, GAC. An assessment of the interexaminar reliability of tests for shoulder instability. The journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2004; 13:18-23.
  12. Tzannes A, Murell GAC. Clinical examination of the unstable shoulder. Sports Medicine 2002; 32: 447-457.
  13. Tzannes et al. 2004
  14. Tzannes et al. 2002
  15. Ian KY, Lo IKY, Nonweiler B, et al. An evaluation of the apprehension, relocation, and surprise test for anterior shoulder instability. American Journal of Sports Medicine 2004; 32:301-307.
  16. Levy AS, Lintner S, Kenter K, et al: intra- and interobserver reproducibility of the shoulder laxity examination. The American Journal of Sports medicine 1999; 4: 460-463.
  17. Ian et al.
  18. Tzannes A, Murrel, GAC. An assessment of the interexaminar reliability of tests for shoulder instability. The journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2004; 13:18-23.
  19. Marx RG, Bombardier C, Wright JG. What do we know about the reliability and validity of physical examination tests used to examine the upper extremity? Journal of Hand Surgery 1999; 24A:185-193.
  20. Ian et al.
  21. Tzannes et al. 2004
  22. Liu SH, Henry MH, Nuccion S, et al. Diagnosis of glenoid labral tears. A comparison between magnetic resonance imaging and clinical examinations. The American Journal of Sports Medicine 1996; 2:149-154.
  23. Rouleau D, Faber K, MacDermin J. Systematic review of patient-administered shoulder functional scores on instability. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2010;19:1121-1128.
  24. Mintken. Some Factors Predict Successful Short-Term Outcomes in IndividualsWith Shoulder Pain Receiving Cervicothoracic Manipulation: A Single-Arm Trial. PTJ 2010;26-42.