Understanding Shoulder Instability Surgery
A shoulder that repeatedly dislocates or feels like it might 'slip out' is unstable, usually because the labrum and ligaments that hold the ball in the socket have been damaged — often after a first dislocation.
Instability surgery repairs or reconstructs these structures, most commonly arthroscopically. Where there is significant bone loss from repeated dislocations, an additional bony stabilisation procedure may be added to give a durable, confident result.
Key benefits
- Restores stability and confidence in the shoulder
- Reduces the risk of further dislocations and joint damage
- Mostly keyhole, with bony procedures added only when needed
When Shoulder Instability Surgery is recommended
How the procedure is performed
Assessment
The damaged labrum, ligaments and any bone loss are evaluated arthroscopically and on imaging.
Soft-tissue repair
The torn labrum and ligaments are re-attached with suture anchors to restore the socket.
Bone procedures
Significant bone loss may need an additional bony stabilisation (such as a Latarjet) procedure.
Protection
A sling protects the repair during early healing.
Preparation & prerequisites
- A detailed clinical assessment and review of your scans (X-ray / MRI) to confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgery precisely.
- Routine pre-operative blood tests, an ECG if needed, and a fitness-for-anaesthesia check by the anaesthetist.
- Stopping blood-thinning medication (such as aspirin or clopidogrel) only if advised, and disclosing every medicine and supplement you take.
- Fasting for around 6 hours before surgery, and arranging a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you the first night.
- Preparing your home for recovery — ice packs, loose clothing, and a clear path free of trip hazards.
What recovery looks like
Weeks 0–4
A sling protects the repair while gentle movement begins.
Weeks 4–12
Range of motion and strengthening progress steadily.
Months 3–6
Return to sport and overhead activity in carefully staged steps.
How to recover well
- Follow the RICE principle early — rest, ice 15–20 minutes several times a day, gentle compression and elevation to control swelling.
- Take pain relief as prescribed rather than waiting for pain to build, and keep the wound clean and dry.
- Attend every physiotherapy session and do your home exercises — rehabilitation is as important as the surgery itself.
- Progress activity gradually and don't return to sport until you're formally cleared, to protect the repair.
- Watch for warning signs — spreading redness, fever, calf pain or increasing swelling — and call us if they appear.
Risks, safety & outcomes
In experienced hands this is a very safe procedure, and serious problems are uncommon. Every step is taken to minimise risk — but being fully informed is part of good care. Possible risks include:
- Recurrent instability, more likely with large bone loss or early return to sport
- Some loss of extreme range of movement
- The usual small surgical risks
Results & outlook
Stabilisation surgery restores a secure, confident shoulder for most patients, allowing a return to sport — including contact activity — after a complete rehabilitation programme.
Frequently asked questions
Repeated dislocations usually mean the stabilising labrum or ligaments are damaged, and sometimes there is bone loss — both of which surgery can restore.