Last month we summarised the systematic review by Belk et al. The review concluded that surgical stabilisation for a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation reduces the risk of recurrent instability and need for future surgery compared to sling immobilisation. But it is uncertain whether surgical stabilisation is superior to non-operative management for improving shoulder function and range of motion.
Some findings are included in this infographic.
Belk JW, et al. Shoulder stabilization versus immobilization for first-time anterior shoulder dislocation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of level 1 randomized controlled trials. Am J Sports Med 2022 Feb 11:Epub ahead of print.
