This randomized clinical trial compared the effect of early arthroscopic stabilization and rehabilitation vs. standard immobilization and rehabilitation on measures of shoulder proprioception. Subjects with primary traumatic anterior dislocations of the shoulder were randomized into one of two groups: standard therapy of immobilization and rehabilitation (n=13) or arthroscopic stabilization followed by rehabilitation (n=11). At a minimum of 3 months posttreatment (mean 19 months) proprioception was evaluated using threshold to detection of passive motion (TTDPM) and reproduction of passive positioning (RPP) at 30 degrees and 60 degrees external rotation. There were no statistically significant differences between surgical and standard treatment groups in either TTDPM or RPP at start positions of 30 degrees and 60 degrees. These findings suggest that treatment by early arthroscopic stabilization and rehabilitation after primary traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder does not enhance proprioception more than standard immobilization and rehabilitation.