Arthroscopic capsular plication for multidirectional instability of the shoulder

Involuntary multidirectional instability of the shoulder remains one of the most challenging problems for the orthopedic surgeon. Often these patients are young and athletic, with very high goals for their shoulder function. During the past two decades, the inferior capsular shift procedure has become the surgical mainstay when conservative treatment fails. Various investigators have published techniques for capsular shift, either for the humeral side or glenoid side, with satisfactory results for each. This article reviews our experience with a new technique developed by SJS for arthroscopic capsular plication of the shoulder. A review of the literature, surgical technique, postoperative rehabilitation and results are presented.