Editorial Commentary: Can Orthopaedic Surgeons Agree on Choice of Procedure for Anterior Shoulder Instability Based on Risk Factors? Personal and Training Biases Confound Our Surgical Decision Making

Authors:

Berte Bøe, Matthew T Provencher, B Gilbert Moatshe

Abstract:

Diagnosing and treating anterior shoulder instability can be a challenging clinical problem. Although operative management of shoulder instability has been reported to result in good to excellent functional outcomes, there is still controversy regarding the timing of surgery, how to treat first-time dislocations, and which surgical procedures to use. Patient-specific factors including age, sex, activity level, types of sport, and other comorbidities will influence treatment. In addition, the unique pathology in the shoulder, including presence and degree of bone loss, and concomitant soft tissue pathology will influence the choice of procedures for anterior stabilization. Surgeon-specific factors such as surgeon’s preference, which procedure the surgeon is comfortable with, and training and experience are also important. Finally, the financial burden of the procedure cannot be overlooked. With so many factors playing a role in a surgeon’s treatment algorithm, a thorough preoperative assessment is important in guiding decision making. Whether preoperative consideration of the risk factors can guide orthopaedic surgeons to choose the correct procedure and eventually be translated into improved clinical outcomes is still debatable. Alongside careful analysis of the patient’s relevant history, the surgeon must also deal with development of new techniques, new implants, and economic factors.

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