Arthroscopic Findings After Traumatic Shoulder Instability in Patients Older Than 35 Years

Background:Shoulder instability in the older patient traditionally has received less attention in the literature than in the younger patient population. However, when traumatic dislocation does occur, these patients often still have frequent pain, disability, and even continued instability.Purpose:To characterize the pathoanatomy of traumatic anterior shoulder instability in the older patient population and to discuss the correlating symptoms that ultimately led to operative treatment.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Patients with a history of an initial traumatic anterior shoulder instability event occurring after the age of 35 years who underwent arthroscopic surgical intervention were prospectively enrolled. Exclusion criteria included posterior instability, major fractures of the shoulder girdle, and multidirectional instability. All patients initially underwent a period of nonoperative rehabilitation. Operative treatment was performed if a patient continued to have pain and/or i...