- Robert Y Wang: New England Musculoskeletal Institute Medical Arts, Research Building University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-5352, USA. robwang1@hotmail.com
Acute traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation is a relatively common occurrence in the athletic population. Although the overall incidence of traumatic shoulder instability in the general population is only 1.7%, the incidence in a high physical-demand population is two-fold greater. Instability often becomes a recurrent pattern and jeopardizes athletic performance and participation. A thorough assessment and discussion with the patient with respect to treatment decision-making are critical in the management of anterior shoulder instability.