Complications of shoulder instability surgery.

Overview

Complications of shoulder instability surgery may results from errors made during the preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative periods. Some complications are preventable whereas the risk of others can be reduced. A few complications remain unpreventable. Two sources of error in the preoperative period that can lead to complications are an incorrect diagnosis and failure to address a patient's expectations of treatment. These errors and their subsequent complications are preventable. Preventing complications during the intraoperative period begins with proper patient positioning and a thorough knowledge of shoulder anatomy. Understanding the indications and limitations of the various stabilization procedures, as well as applying proper surgical technique, is essential to avoid a surgical misadventure. Complications recognized in the postoperative period include recurrent instability, limitation of motion, inability to return to the previous level of sport, problems related to hardware, pain, development of osteoarthritis, and neurovascular injuries. Infection and hematoma formation may also occur; both need to be recognized and treated early to maximize outcome. A protocol for treating each complication that may occur often is helpful. Knowledge of the complications that can arise is paramount to preventing their occurrence. This knowledge comes through experience, study, and continued research.