A Comprehensive Review of Glenohumeral Joint Dislocation in Athletes

Abstract

Glenohumeral joint dislocation is a prevalent issue in athletes, constituting the majority of major joint dislocations, with the anterior dislocation being the most common. This literature review aims to analyze the epidemiology, classification, diagnosis, and management of glenohumeral joint dislocations, focusing on athletes. A thorough literature search was performed using multiple databases, including PubMed, ProQuest, SAGE, EBSCOHost, Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. The search utilized keywords and MeSH terms such as “Glenohumeral joint,” “Epidemiology,” “Classification,” “Diagnosis,” “Management,” and “Athletes,” which were combined with related synonyms through Boolean operators (AND/OR). The review highlights that younger male athletes are particularly susceptible due to the high incidence of traumatic events during contact sports. Research shows that the incidence of primary glenohumeral joint dislocations is 153 to 563 per 100,000 person-years, with around 52% of patients experiencing recurrences or needing surgery, while 50% of younger patients aged 12–25 maintained stability over time. Proper diagnosis is crucial and involves detailed patient history and physical examination, including various provocative tests to assess instability. Classification of dislocations (anterior, posterior, and inferior) guides treatment planning, which may include nonoperative management for first-time dislocations in non-athletic populations. However, athletes and younger patients are more likely to benefit from early surgical intervention to prevent recurrent dislocations. Surgical options such as arthroscopic Bankart repair and bone augmentation procedures, including the Latarjet technique, are recommended based on the extent of bone and soft tissue damage. Despite promising outcomes, each surgical approach has its own set of complications. Recent evidence supports early stabilization, particularly in high-risk individuals, to achieve better long-term outcomes. Continued research is needed to refine treatment algorithms and ensure optimal recovery and return to sports for affected athletes.