Instability After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Glenohumeral instability after total shoulder arthroplasty is a potential complication observed after primary arthroplasty. The following review discusses anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior instability, as well as the respective clinical presentations and treatment algorithms. Many factors are associated with the various types of instability: glenoid size and version, humeral retroversion and height, humeral head size, soft-tissue balancing, and rotator cuff integrity. Avoidance of these problems requires proper planning and intraoperative technique during the index procedure, as well as early recognition and treatment of any postoperative instability.