Capsular Shift

A capsular shift procedure is performed to correct shoulder instability that causes dislocation or subluxation of the shoulder joint.

The shoulder joint capsule is the ligament that surrounds the shoulder joint. It stabilizes the shoulder by keeping the head, or ball, of the upper arm bone centered in the glenoid socket in your shoulder blade.

CAUSES

The shoulder capsule can loosen or tear from a light or severe trauma. It can also occur with an overuse injury. Once the ligaments in the joint capsule become loose, shoulder dislocation frequently recurs. Another common name for this condition is shoulder instability.

SYMPTOMS

• Lingering pain in the shoulder

• Repeated shoulder dislocations

• Pain in the upper arm and/ or shoulder

If you experience recurring shoulder dislocations, your surgeon may perform this minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure to tighten your joint capsule.

You can watch a general demonstration of a capsular shift surgery below. However, you particular procedure may vary according to the particulars of your anatomy.