What is shoulder stabilisation surgery?

Shoulder stabilisation surgery is a procedure to repair torn labrum or capsule and prevent recurrent dislocation, most often performed arthroscopically using sutures and anchors.

Who needs shoulder stabilisation?

Surgery is recommended for people with recurrent dislocations, persistent instability despite physiotherapy, or athletes at high risk of further shoulder injuries.

What types of stabilisation surgery exist?

Options include arthroscopic Bankart repair, open stabilisation, and the Latarjet procedure for bone loss cases.

How long is recovery after shoulder stabilisation?

Patients wear a sling for 3–4 weeks, begin physiotherapy early, and usually return to contact sport between 4–6 months post-surgery.

What are the risks of stabilisation surgery?

Risks include infection, stiffness, nerve injury, or recurrent dislocation, but the procedure has a high success rate in reducing instability.

Shoulder Stabilisation Surgery
for Recurrent Dislocation & Instability

Shoulder stabilisation surgery is performed to prevent repeated shoulder dislocations and treat ongoing instability. It is most commonly needed after sports injuries, traumatic dislocations, or when the shoulder keeps “slipping out of place.” The aim is to restore stability, protect the joint, and allow a safe return to daily activities and sport.

What Is Shoulder Instability?

The shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body, but this mobility comes at the cost of stability. When the ligaments, labrum, or joint capsule are stretched or torn, the ball (humeral head) can slip out of the socket (glenoid). This is called shoulder instability, and when it happens completely it is a dislocation.

When Is Stabilisation Surgery Needed?

Most first-time dislocations can be treated without surgery, especially in older adults. However, stabilisation surgery is often recommended if:

You are young and active (higher risk of repeat dislocations)
You have had two or more dislocations
You play contact or overhead sports (rugby, AFL, basketball, volleyball)
Imaging shows damage to the labrum, capsule, or bone
Instability persists despite physiotherapy

Types of Shoulder Stabilisation Surgery

Arthroscopic stabilisation (Bankart repair)
– Keyhole surgery to reattach the torn labrum and tighten the capsule using sutures and anchors.
Open stabilisation
– A small incision at the front of the shoulder; sometimes preferred for contact athletes or when bone loss is significant.
Latarjet procedure
– A bone block operation where a piece of bone (coracoid) is transferred to the socket to increase stability, usually for recurrent dislocations with bone loss.

Benefits of Stabilisation Surgery

Reduces the risk of further dislocations
Restores shoulder strength and confidence
Allows return to sport, work, and overhead activity
Protects against long-term joint damage (arthritis)

How Is the Procedure Performed?

The surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic. In arthroscopic stabilisation:

Small incisions are made around the shoulder
An arthroscope (camera) is inserted into the joint
Sutures and anchors reattach the labrum to the glenoid rim
The capsule is tightened to prevent future dislocation

The procedure takes 60–90 minutes, with most patients going home the same day.

Recovery After Shoulder Stabilisation

Recovery is structured and requires physiotherapy:

Sling use: 3–4 weeks to protect the repair
Early physiotherapy: Gentle movement begins after 1–2 weeks
Return to desk work: 1–2 weeks
Driving: 4–6 weeks
Strengthening phase: Starts at 8–12 weeks
Return to contact sport: Usually 4–6 months

Risks and Complications

Shoulder stabilisation surgery is highly successful, but risks include:

Infection
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Recurrent dislocation (less common with surgery than non-surgical care)
Nerve or vessel injury (rare)
Arthritis over time in cases of repeated instability

When to See a Specialist

If your shoulder keeps dislocating, feels unstable, or prevents you from sport and work, it is time to see a shoulder surgeon. Early stabilisation surgery can improve outcomes, especially in young and active patients.