Post-traumatic shoulder instability in adolescence

Background. Post-traumatic shoulder instability in adolescence represents a very rare condition. However, most of these patients develop recurrent shoulder dislocations over time. Methods. We report about a retrospective study, which included 32 patients younger than 16 years of age. The mean follow-up was 5 years. Our evaluation focussed on patients' age at the time of first shoulder dislocation, type of injury, and the results after conservative and operative treatment. Results. After the first dislocation, all shoulders were immobilized for 3 weeks and were treated with physiotherapy afterwards. Of these 32 patients, 30 (94%) developed recurrent shoulder dislocations. Eight patients remained in a conservative regimen (age <15 years) and 21 patients were operated for persistent shoulder instability (age >15 years). The recurrence rate was 8 of 21 patients (36.5%) in the operative group and 4 of 8 patients in the conservative group. At the time of follow-up, 4 of 8 conservatively treated patients had returned to their former sports activities and 15 of 21 (71%) in the operated group. Conclusions. Our results on post-traumatic shoulder instability in adolescence show high recurrence rates in both conservative and operative groups. After adolescence, including ossification of the glenoid, operative treatment is able to decrease the recurrence rate and to increase the sports ability of these young patients.