How Is Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation Treated?

To treat recurrent shoulder dislocation, Dr. Charles Ruotolo first recommends non-surgical care, including strengthening exercises, sling use, and activity modification. However, if these treatments fail to relieve symptoms, he may recommend surgical care such as arthroscopic Bankart repair or the Latarjet procedure to restore stability.

Our surgeon performs these procedures using minimally invasive techniques to reduce tissue damage, protect the shoulder muscles, and shorten recovery time. After surgery, he also schedules follow-up appointments. During these visits, he monitors your healing progress and adjusts your recovery plan to prevent future dislocations. Contact us now to book your appointment with Dr. Charles Ruotolo at Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Commack.

What Is the Best Treatment for Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation?

Targeted exercises, sling use, and pain management strategies, such as anti-inflammatory medications, can effectively treat mild shoulder dislocation. Doctors also recommend activity modification and postural correction in such cases to reduce stress on the unstable shoulder. Here’s how these treatments can help improve shoulder stability:

• Scapular stabilization training improves shoulder blade control, which reduces abnormal stress on the joint capsule and glenohumeral ligaments.
• Targeted rotator cuff exercises strengthen the shoulder muscles. These muscles keep the upper arm bone centered within the shoulder socket during movement.
• Sling use limits positions that commonly trigger anterior dislocation, especially external rotation and overhead movement.
• Anti-inflammatory medications reduce swelling around stretched ligaments and irritated labral tissue after a recent instability flare-up.
• Activity modification prevents repeated microtrauma from contact sports, heavy pressing movements, or repetitive overhead activity.
• Progressive strengthening programs help rebuild dynamic shoulder stability before resuming throwing, lifting, or collision sports.

However, if you experience recurrent dislocations despite these conservative treatments, orthopedic specialists may consider surgical stabilization. In such cases, they perform a Bankart repair or the Latarjet surgery to restore long-term shoulder stability and reduce the risk of future dislocations.

Who Is At Higher Risk of Repeated Shoulder Dislocations?

Young patients are at higher risk of repeated shoulder dislocations, especially if they play contact sports or perform repetitive overhead movements. In fact, according to research by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, athletes aged 15 to 20 with a previously dislocated shoulder have almost 87% risk of a subsequent dislocation.

Here are some other risk factors that increase the chances of recurrent dislocation:

• Ligament laxity or naturally loose shoulder joints
• Significant bone loss in the shoulder socket or upper arm bone
• Weak rotator cuff or shoulder blade stabilizing muscles
• Connective tissue disorders that affect joint stability
• High-impact falls or repeated shoulder trauma
• Incomplete healing of the shoulder capsule or ligaments after the initial injury

How Do Orthopedic Specialists Diagnose Shoulder Instability?

To diagnose shoulder instability, our board-certified shoulder surgeon, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, reviews your medical history, performs targeted physical exams, and analyzes imaging tests. He begins with a detailed clinical assessment. He first discusses the cause of your injury, current symptoms, prior shoulder dislocations, and activities that trigger instability. Then, he performs the following physical tests to determine the cause and severity of your shoulder instability:

• Jerk Test: The surgeon moves your arm across your body while rotating the shoulder inward. If you experience sudden pain or a slipping sensation, it may suggest a posterior dislocation.
• Apprehension Test: During this test, you move your arm into an overhead throwing position. A feeling of instability during this movement usually suggests anterior shoulder instability.
• Relocation Test: In this test, gentle pressure is applied to your shoulder to stabilize the joint. If this reduces pain, it indicates recurrent anterior dislocation.
• Sulcus Test: The surgeon gently pulls your arm downward while examining the shoulder joint. In such cases, a visible gap below the shoulder signals multidirectional instability or loose ligaments.

To confirm the diagnosis, Dr. Charles Ruotolo may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans. X-rays help identify fractures and confirm if bone defects contribute to recurrent dislocations. In addition, he uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect soft-tissue damage, including labral tears or stretched ligaments. If he suspects bone loss, he may also review CT scans to assess the socket damage more accurately. Call 855-321-6784 now to consult Dr. Charles Ruotolo. Along with expert diagnosis, our team can guide you through your insurance details and coverage eligibility. We also handle referrals, co-pays, and required paperwork, so you can focus on your treatment and recovery.

What If Recurrent Shoulder Instability Is Left Untreated?

If left untreated, recurrent shoulder instability can cause repeated dislocations, progressive bone loss, and permanent joint damage. As the upper arm bone slips out, repeated friction and trauma can also wear down the articular cartilage inside the shoulder joint. Over time, this can increase the risk of shoulder osteoarthritis. Similarly, repeated joint popping can stretch or compress nearby nerves. This nerve damage may cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, burning pain, or reduced grip strength.

In addition, untreated shoulder instability can also lead to the following complications:

• Rotator cuff tears from repeated stress on the shoulder muscles and tendons
• Labral tears due to ongoing damage to the cartilage rim around the shoulder socket
• Limited range of motion because of stiffness, inflammation, and joint irritation
• Chronic shoulder pain during lifting, reaching, sleeping, or overhead movement
• Hill-Sachs lesions from repeated impact between the upper arm bone and the shoulder socket
• Increased risk of more severe future dislocations that may require emergency treatment
• Tendon inflammation or impingement from abnormal shoulder movement patterns
• Scar tissue formation that may further restrict shoulder mobility
• Higher risk of complex reconstructive surgery in the future because of worsening bone and soft tissue damage

Can Hyaluronic Acid Injections Improve Shoulder Joint Comfort?

Yes, hyaluronic acid injections can help relieve shoulder joint pain in arthritis caused by recurrent instability. The injection restores synovial fluid, which cushions and lubricates the shoulder joint. As lubrication improves, mechanical friction decreases, allowing the joint to move smoothly with less pain. Similarly, hyaluronic acid helps reduce inflammation that contributes to shoulder swelling and stiffness.

With reduced swelling and pain, you can also participate in targeted exercises more comfortably to improve shoulder strength and stability. However, hyaluronic acid does not directly repair shoulder instability or complete dislocations. In fact, the injection can temporarily increase discomfort if the shoulder joint is already loose or unstable. Therefore, you should always consult our orthopedic specialists before receiving this treatment. We examine your shoulder and review imaging to determine whether hyaluronic acid is appropriate for your condition.

Is Stem Cell Therapy Effective for Shoulder Instability?

Yes, stem cell therapy can help manage symptoms of shoulder instability in selected cases. Doctors may recommend it to reduce inflammation, support soft tissue healing, and relieve pain in nearby tendons, muscles, or irritated tissues. However, it cannot regenerate torn shoulder ligaments or rebuild a damaged labrum. Therefore, doctors usually use stem cell therapy as a supportive treatment rather than a primary solution for recurrent instability.

When Is Surgery Recommended for Recurrent Dislocations?

Our surgeon, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, may recommend surgery, such as a Bankart repair or a Latarjet procedure, if 6 months of non-surgical care fail to restore shoulder stability. He may also advise surgery when imaging shows significant bone loss, labral damage, or a Hill-Sachs lesion.

In addition, young patients and athletes may require shoulder instability surgery sooner because they face a higher risk of repeated dislocations. Similarly, our surgeon may recommend surgery if shoulder instability significantly affects your daily activities. In many cases, surgical care is also considered if dislocations occur repeatedly with minimal force, such as during simple arm movements or while sleeping.

Which Surgical Methods Can Help Restore Shoulder Stability?

To restore shoulder stability, our surgeon, Dr. Charles Ruotolo, may recommend arthroscopic Bankart repair, capsular shift, and the remplissage procedure. These procedures help treat recurrent instability caused by soft tissue damage, including stretched ligaments, a loose joint capsule, or a torn cartilage rim. However, if bone loss contributes to repeated dislocations, he may recommend the Latarjet procedure. In severe cases, he may also perform bone grafting to restore structural support around the shoulder socket.

Here’s how these procedures help restore shoulder stability:

Bankart Repair with Capsular Shift

During a Bankart repair, the surgeon reattaches the torn cartilage rim at the front of the shoulder socket. At the same time, they may perform a capsular shift to tighten a stretched shoulder capsule and limit excessive joint movement. In this procedure, they fold and secure the loose capsule with sutures to reduce extra joint space and improve shoulder stability.

According to Medical Science Monitor, approximately 90% of patients regained full shoulder range of motion after arthroscopic Bankart repair. This minimally invasive procedure also reported a major improvement in Rowe shoulder scores, which increased from 29 to 74 after surgery. This scoring system measures shoulder stability, motion, and overall function.

Remplissage Procedure

If a Hill-Sachs lesion causes the upper arm bone to slip out of position repeatedly, surgeons may perform a remplissage procedure during Bankart repair. A Hill-Sachs lesion is a dent-like defect that develops at the back of the upper arm bone after repeated shoulder dislocations. During this outpatient procedure, surgeons secure nearby rotator cuff tissue into this damaged portion of the bone.

This reduces contact between the damaged bone and the shoulder socket, which lowers the risk of recurrent dislocations. In fact, a PubMed study found that combining Bankart repair with remplissage reduced recurrent instability rates from 30% to 10%.

Latarjet Procedure

In the Latarjet procedure, surgeons remove a small piece of bone from the front of the shoulder blade. Then, they attach it to the front edge of the shoulder socket using screws. This increases the socket’s surface area and creates a stronger barrier that prevents the upper arm bone from sliding out of the joint.

The transferred bone also includes attached muscles and tendons, which provide additional support during movement. However, the Latarjet procedure carries a higher complication risk than arthroscopic Bankart repair. For example, a study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine reported a 9.4% complication rate after open Latarjet repair. In contrast, the arthroscopic Bankart group reported no post-surgical complications. Still, the risk of re-dislocation is higher with Bankart repair, especially in patients with significant bone loss.

How Long Does Recovery Take After a Shoulder Dislocation?

Recovery after a shoulder dislocation usually takes 6 to 12 weeks with non-surgical care. However, surgical recovery often requires 4 to 6 months, depending on the severity of shoulder instability, the type of surgery, and your commitment to post-surgery exercise programs. Similarly, your age, activity level, bone density, muscle strength, and history of recurrent shoulder dislocations can also affect the healing timeline.

Here’s how recovery usually progresses after shoulder dislocation treatment:

Week 1 to 2

During the first phase, doctors focus on reducing pain, controlling swelling, and protecting the shoulder joint after the dislocation. To achieve these treatment goals, they may recommend the following strategies:

• Sling support throughout the day
• Ice pack application for 15 to 20 minutes several times daily
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
• Gentle elbow, wrist, and hand movements to prevent stiffness
• Avoiding lifting, overhead reaching, or sudden shoulder movements

For further recovery guidance, you can also review our comprehensive postoperative guide created by our board-certified surgeons. It includes detailed instructions on sling wear, pain management, and additional recovery guidelines.

Week 2 to 6

Once pain and swelling improve, doctors may begin rehabilitation to restore shoulder mobility and improve joint function. During this stage, they often recommend controlled range-of-motion exercises, including:

• Pendulum swings
• Assisted shoulder flexion exercises
• Wand-assisted external rotation exercises
• Wall walks
• Cross-body shoulder stretches
• Scapular retraction exercises

However, doctors still restrict forceful overhead movements, heavy lifting, and contact sports. These activities can place repetitive strain on the shoulder and increase the risk of repeated dislocations.

Week 6 to 12

Once mobility improves, the main goal is to rebuild shoulder strength and improve shoulder stability. During this phase, orthopedic specialists usually recommend exercises that strengthen the rotator cuff, upper back muscles, and shoulder blade stabilizers. Here are some common strengthening exercises that can help support full recovery after a shoulder dislocation:

• Resistance-band internal rotations
• Resistance-band external rotations
• Seated or standing rows
• Scapular retraction exercises
• Wall push-ups

3 to 6 Months

The final phase focuses on returning safely to contact sports, labor-intensive work, and other high-impact physical activities. Before allowing you to resume full activity, your orthopedic specialist evaluates shoulder strength, range of motion, movement control, and joint stability during dynamic shoulder movements. If you are an athlete, they may also perform the following functional tests before clearing you for sports participation:

• Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST)
• Single-arm plank stability assessment
• Overhead throwing progression test
• Push-up endurance testing
• Plyometric shoulder control drills
• Medicine ball toss testing

However, if pain, weakness, or shoulder instability continues during this stage, your doctor may modify your rehabilitation program. They may also recommend additional treatment, such as temporary bracing or surgical intervention, to address persistent instability.

How Can You Prevent Future Shoulder Dislocation?

To prevent future dislocations, focus on strengthening your rotator cuff muscles with exercises such as resistance-band rotations, rows, and controlled shoulder raises. You should also perform scapular stabilization exercises to improve shoulder blade control and maintain proper shoulder stability during movement. Other than that, avoid abrupt, forceful overhead movements or intense workouts, especially if your doctor has not cleared you for high-impact activities.

Here are some additional tips that can help prevent recurrent shoulder instability:

• Warm up your shoulder joint for at least 10 to 15 minutes before sports, weight training, or repetitive overhead activities.
• Avoid sleeping with your upper arm raised above your head. This posture can strain the shoulder capsule and glenohumeral ligaments.
• Use proper lifting mechanics during workouts, especially during bench presses and pull-ups, to reduce stress on the unstable shoulder.
• Gradually increase exercise intensity instead of returning to heavy lifting or contact sports too quickly after a previous shoulder dislocation.
• Stop activities immediately if you notice shoulder pain, clicking, catching, or instability.
• Maintain proper posture while sitting, driving, or working at a desk. Rounded shoulders can increase stress on the shoulder joint.
• Wear a shoulder brace during high-risk activities if your orthopedic specialist recommends additional support.

Get Expert Care for Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation at Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine! 

Recurrent shoulder instability can cause pain, weakness, and fear that your shoulder may dislocate during everyday activities. If left untreated, it can also increase the risk of secondary injuries, such as labral tears, nerve irritation, and early shoulder arthritis.

At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Charles Ruotolo offers advanced diagnostics and conservative or surgical care for unstable shoulders under one roof. As a Newsday Top Doctor, he carefully reviews your daily activities, injury pattern, and recovery goals before recommending treatment. This personalized approach helps create a targeted care plan that supports long-term shoulder stability and recovery. Contact us or visit 500 Commack Road, Building E, Suite 150B for expert orthopedic care.

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