Editorial Commentary: Reviewing the Science of Our Unscientific Criteria for Return to Sports After Shoulder Stabilization

In contrast to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, there is a paucity of primary studies that address the issue of return to play after anterior shoulder stabilization for glenohumeral instability. Most studies focused on clinical outcomes after anterior shoulder stabilization provide little detail on the authors' assessment protocols used in determining return to sport readiness. In fact, many issues germane to the postoperative rehabilitation process (biologic healing, motion recovery, strength recovery, and sport-specific considerations) remain poorly defined, and are not typically addressed using validated shoulder outcomes instruments. Sports medicine surgeons need more objective criteria on which to base their clinical decision making with athletes treated for anterior glenohumeral instability.