Posterior and Multidirectional Instability

The posterior and multidirectional instability of the shoulder is a complex problem in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Increased joint volume by redundant capsular ligament has been regarded as a major pathogenesis of the posterior and multidirectional instability. Distinct from multidirectional hyperlaxity, multidirectional instability has symptoms related with increased translations in more than one direction. Recent report that shoulder symptom originates from labral lesion which was created by excessive rim-loading of the humeral head on the posteroinferior glenoid labrum during repetitive subluxation helps us to understand the pathogenesis of such instability. Painful jerk and Kim tests indicate labral lesion in the multidirectionally loose shoulder, suggesting multidirectional instability. Also, painful jerk test is a prognostic sign of failure of nonoperative treatment. The labral lesion can be an incomplete tear or a concealed lesion which often has been underestimated. Operative treatment is indicated when nonoperative treatment has failed. Arthroscopic capsulolabroplasty is a reliable procedure, which not only provides capsular balance, but also restores the labral height.