Proprioception of the shoulder joint after surgical repair for Instability: a long-term follow-up study.

Pötzl W, Thorwesten L, Götze C, Garmann S, Steinbeck J

Abstract

BACKGROUND Proprioceptive capabilities play an important role in stability of the shoulder joint. HYPOTHESIS Decreased proprioceptive capabilities can improve by surgical repair of shoulder instability. STUDY DESIGN Prospective long-term study. METHODS The proprioceptive capabilities of 14 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability were examined preoperative and with a minimum follow-up of 5 years postoperative using the angle reproduction test. The patients' data were compared to a healthy control group. RESULTS The joint position sense improved significantly in abduction, flexion, and rotation (P