Glenohumeral instability occurs when the shoulder's ball (humeral head) fails to stay properly seated in its socket (glenoid), causing episodes of subluxation or dislocation. Most cases involve a labral tear — injury to the fibrocartilaginous rim that deepens the shoulder socket and provides critical stability.
Dr. Joe Cooper, a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in Beverly Hills and Brentwood, specializes in shoulder instability and labral repair for athletes and active patients.
Types of Shoulder Instability
- Anterior instability (Bankart lesion): The most common type — the anterior labrum tears from the glenoid following dislocation. Common in young contact athletes.
- SLAP tears: Superior labral tears common in overhead athletes (pitchers, swimmers).
- Posterior instability: Seen in football linemen and weightlifters.
- Multidirectional instability (MDI): Generalized laxity in multiple directions.
Symptoms
- Shoulder feeling loose or slipping out of place
- Recurrent dislocations or subluxations
- Pain and apprehension with overhead movements
- Clicking, grinding, or weakness
Treatment
Physical therapy is first-line for many patients. For recurrent instability or structural tears, arthroscopic labral repair (Bankart repair) or an open Latarjet procedure offers excellent results. Dr. Cooper will recommend the most appropriate approach for your anatomy and goals.
Schedule a Consultation
Contact Dr. Cooper's Beverly Hills or Brentwood office today.
