Shoulder Instability & Dislocations
Shoulder instability is when the ball slips partly (a subluxation) or fully (a dislocation) out of the socket — often after an injury — leaving the shoulder loose and prone to slipping again.
What is shoulder instability?
The shoulder is the body's most mobile joint, kept centered by a soft cartilage rim called the labrum, plus ligaments and the rotator cuff. A dislocation usually tears the labrum (a Bankart tear), which can leave the shoulder loose and likely to dislocate again. Repeated episodes can also wear away bone from the socket or the ball, which influences how it is best treated.
Symptoms to watch for
- A history of the shoulder dislocating or "popping out," sometimes needing help to put it back
- A feeling of looseness or apprehension, especially with the arm raised and rotated back
- Repeated slipping with certain positions or activities
- Pain and weakness after an episode
How it is diagnosed
- A physical exam, including positions that reproduce the feeling of instability
- X-rays to confirm a dislocation and check for bone loss
- MRI (often with contrast) to see the torn labrum, and CT if significant bone loss is suspected
Treatment options
Non-surgical
A first-time dislocation — particularly in older patients — may settle with a short period in a sling followed by rehabilitation to strengthen the surrounding muscles.
Surgical
Younger patients and those with recurrent instability often benefit from surgery: arthroscopic labral repair to re-anchor the labrum, or a bone procedure when there is meaningful bone loss.
Shoulder keeps slipping out?
Learn about labral repair, or schedule an evaluation.
Common questions
Once the stabilizing labrum is torn, recurrence is common — especially in young, active people. The risk is what drives the decision about whether to repair it.
Not always. Age, activity level, and what the imaging shows all matter. Young athletes have a high re-dislocation rate and often benefit from earlier repair; many others do well with rehab first.
It is a tear of the labrum — the cartilage rim that deepens the socket. It is the most common injury found after a dislocation.
Typically a sling for a few weeks, then progressive motion and strengthening, with return to sport around 4–6 months. The recovery pathway details each phase.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation. Your specific diagnosis and treatment plan should come from Dr. Hachadorian based on your exam and imaging.