Posterior Shoulder Instability in Athletes

Abstract

» Posterior shoulder instability (PSI) constitutes approximately 10% of all shoulder instability cases and is prevalent among contact sport athletes because of recurrent blunt trauma to the shoulder.» PSI presents as persistent pain and can be diagnosed using clinical tests such as the Kim test and the Jerk test.» Surgical intervention is recommended for athletes who have exhausted nonoperative treatment. Shoulder arthroscopy with posterior labral repair is the primary surgical treatment for PSI, with the goal of mitigating risk for recurrent instability and persistent pain.» The primary objective of this review was to discuss the relevant literature regarding the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for PSI.