The article summarizes the basic literature findings and innovations in the treatment of traumatic shoulder lesions published during the last 3 years. It covers trends in acromioclavicular joint dislocation, traumatic shoulder instability, rotator cuff tears as well as fractures of the humeral head. In particular prospective clinical studies with a high level of evidence are cited, which concern about the outcome of surgical and non-surgical treatment methods and the optimal point for treatment. The aim of this review is therefore to provide direct implications for the clinical treatment algorithm of such lesions.