Glenohumeral Instability – an Overview

Abstract

Glenohumeral dislocation is defined as a complete loss of contact between the glenoid and the humeral head. The dislocation may be traumatic, non-traumatic or voluntary. It may be uni-directional, anterior posterior or inferior, or multi-directional. Subluxation implies a partial loss of contact between the joint surfaces. Instability is an impression expressed by the patient. Objectively it may range from fleeting episodes of subluxation to outright dislocation. Laxity is a clinical finding where more than ``normal'' passive motion or translation may be generated during the physical examination [1].