Volume analysis of arthroscopic capsular shift

Comprehensive Review of Multidirectional Instability of the Shoulder

Multidirectional instability of the shoulder can result from underlying atraumatic laxity, from repetitive microtrauma, or from a traumatic injury and often occurs in association with generalized ligamentous laxity or underlying connective tissue disorders. It is critical to differentiate multidirectional instability from unidirectional instability with or without generalized laxity to maximize treatment success. Although rehabilitation is still considered the primary treatment method for this condition, surgical treatment in the form of open inferior capsular shift or arthroscopic pancapsulolabral plication is indicated if conservative treatment fails. Recent biomechanical and clinical research has shown that there is still room for improvement in the treatment methods offered to this specific patient cohort. Potential treatment options, such as various methods to improve cross-linking of native collagen tissue, electric muscle stimulation to retrain the abnormally functioning dynamic stabilizers of the shoulder, and alternative surgical techniques such as coracohumeral ligament reconstruction and bone-based augmentation procedures, are brought forth in this article as potential avenues to explore in the future.

Multidirectional instability of the shoulder: surgical techniques and clinical outcome

Multidirectional instability of the shoulder has a complex pathoanatomy. It is characterized by a redundant glenohumeral capsule and increased joint volume. Subtle clinical presentation, unclear trauma history and multifactorial etiology poseses a great challenge for orthopedic surgeons in terms of diagnosis. Generally accepted therapeutic approach is conservative and the majority of patients achieve good results with rehabilitation. In patients who are symptomatic despite appropriate rehabilitation, surgical intervention may be considered. Good results have been obtained with open inferior capsular surgery, which has historically been performed in these patients. In recent years, advanced arthroscopic techniques have taken place in this field, and similar results compared to open surgery have been obtained with the less-invasive arthroscopic capsular plication procedure.

[Rebalancing theory of shoulder stability mechanism for the diseases related to the shoulder instability and dysfunction of motion]

Objective

To introduce a new theory of shoulder stability mechanism, rebalancing theory, and clinical application of this new theory for the shoulder instability and dysfunction of motion.

Methods

Through extensive review of the literature related to shoulder instability and dysfunction of the motion in recent years, combined with our clinical practice experience, the internal relation between passive stability mechanism and dynamic stability mechanism were summarized.

Results

Rebalancing theory of shoulder stability mechanism is addressed, namely, when the shoulder stability mechanism is destructive, the stability of the shoulder can be restored by the rebalance between dynamic stability mechanism and passive stability mechanism. When dynamic stability is out of balance, dynamic stability can be restored by rebalancing the different parts of dynamic stability mechanism or to strengthen the passive stability mechanism. When passive stability mechanism is out of balance, passive stability can be restored by rebalancing the soft tissue and bone of the shoulder.

Conclusion

Rebalancing theory of shoulder stability mechanism could make a understanding the occurrence, development, and prognosis of shoulder instability and dysfunction from a comprehensive and dynamic view and guide the treatment effectively.

Arthroscopic Bankart repair with an individualized capsular shift restores physiological capsular volume in patients with anterior shoulder instability

PURPOSE

Capsular volume reduction in the context of anterior arthroscopic shoulder stabilization represents an important but uncontrolled parameter. The aim of this study was to analyse capsular volume reduction by arthroscopic Bankart repair with an individualized capsular shift in patients with and without ligamentous hyperlaxity compared to a control group.

METHODS

In the context of a prospective controlled study, intraoperative capsular volume measurements were performed in 32 patients with anterior shoulder instability before and after arthroscopic Bankart repair with an individualized capsular shift. The results were compared to those of a control group of 50 patients without instability. Physiological shoulder joint volumes were calculated and correlated with biometric parameters (sex, age, height, weight and BMI).

RESULTS

Patients with anterior shoulder instability showed a mean preinterventional capsular volume of 35.6 ± 10.6 mL, which was found to be significantly reduced to 19.3 ± 5.4 mL following arthroscopic Bankart repair with an individualized capsular shift (relative capsular volume reduction: 45.9 ± 21.9%; P < 0.01). Pre-interventional volumes were significantly greater in hyperlax than in non-hyperlax patients, while post-interventional volumes did not differ significantly. The average shoulder joint volume of the control group was 21.1 ± 7.0 mL, which was significantly correlated with sex, height and weight (P < 0.01). Postinterventional capsular volumes did not significantly differ from those of the controls (n.s.).

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic Bankart repair with an individualized capsular shift enabled the restoration of physiological capsular volume conditions in hyperlax and non-hyperlax patients with anterior shoulder instability. Current findings allow for individual adjustment and intraoperative control of capsular volume reduction to avoid over- or under correction of the shoulder joint volume. Future clinical studies should evaluate, whether individualized approaches to arthroscopic shoulder stabilization are associated with superior clinical outcome.

Multidirectional Instability of the Shoulder: Treatment Options and Considerations

Multidirectional instability (MDI) is a debilitating condition that involves chronic subluxation or dislocation of the shoulder in >1 direction. Numerous proposed mechanisms of MDI exist, which occurs in the setting of redundant capsular tissue. Symptoms can range from recurrent dislocations or subluxations to vague aching pain that disrupts activities of daily living. Magnetic resonance imaging is often performed during evaluation of this condition, although magnetic resonance arthrography may provide more detailed images of the patulous capsule. In the absence of a well-defined traumatic cause, such as a labral tear, initial treatment for MDI is a structured rehabilitation program with exercises aimed at strengthening the rotator cuff and periscapular muscles to improve scapular kinematics. Patients with recalcitrant symptoms may benefit from surgical stabilization, including open capsular shift or arthroscopic capsular plication, aimed at decreasing capsular volume and improving stability.

What Are the Effects of Capsular Plication on Translational Laxity of the Glenohumeral Joint: A Study in Cadaveric Shoulders

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment for shoulder instability generally involves labral repair with a capsular plication or imbrication. Good results are reported in both open and arthroscopic procedures, but there is no consensus on the amount or location of capsular plication that is needed to achieve stability and anatomic anterior, posterior, and inferior translation of the joint.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What are the separate and combined effects of increasing plication magnitude and sequential additive plications in the anterior, posterior, and inferior locations of the joint capsule on glenohumeral joint translation in the anterior, posterior, and inferior directions? (2) What plication location and magnitude restores anterior, posterior, and inferior translation to a baseline level?

METHODS

Fourteen cadaveric shoulders were dissected down to the glenohumeral capsule and underwent instrumented biomechanical testing. Each shoulder was loaded with 22 N in anterior, posterior, and inferior directions at 60° abduction and neutral rotation and flexion and the resulting translation were recorded. Testing was done over baseline (native), stretched (mechanically stretched capsule to imitate a lax capsule), and 5-mm, 10-mm, and 15-mm plication conditions. Individually, for each of the 5-, 10-, and 15-mm increments, plications were done in a fixed sequential order starting with anterior plication at the 3 o'clock position (Sequence I), then adding posterior plication at the 9 o'clock position (Sequence II), and then adding inferior plication at the 6 o'clock position (Sequence III). Each individual sequence was tested by placing 44 N (10 pounds) of manual force on the humerus directed in an anterior, posterior, and inferior direction to simulate clinical load and shift testing. The effect of plication magnitude and sequence on translation was tested with generalized estimating equation models. Translational differences between conditions were tested with paired t-tests.

RESULTS

Translational laxity was highest with creation of the lax condition, as expected. Increasing plication magnitude had a significant effect on all three directions of translation. Plication location sequence had a significant effect on anterior and posterior translation. An interaction effect between plication magnitude and sequence was significant in anterior and posterior translation. Laxity in all directions was most restricted with 15-mm plication in anterior, posterior, and inferior locations. For anterior translational laxity, at 10-mm and 15-mm plication, there was a progressive decrease in translation magnitude (10-mm plication anterior only: 0.46 mm, plus posterior: 0.29 mm, plus inferior, -0.12 mm; and for 15-mm anterior only: -0.53 mm, plus posterior: -1.00 mm, plus inferior: -1.66 mm). For posterior translational laxity, 10-mm and 15-mm plication also showed progressive decrease in magnitude (10-mm plication anterior only: 0.46 mm, plus posterior: -0.25 mm, plus inferior: -1.94; and for 15-mm anterior only: 0.14 mm, plus posterior: -1.54 mm, plus inferior: -3.66). For inferior translational laxity, tightening was observed only with magnitude of plication (anterior only at 5 mm: 0.31 mm, at 10 mm: -1.39, at 15 mm: -3.61) but not with additional plication points (adding posterior and inferior sequences). To restore laxity closest to baseline, 10-mm AP/inferior plication best restored anterior translation, 15-mm anterior plication best restored posterior translation, and 5 mm posterior with or without inferior plication best restored inferior translation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that (1) a 10-mm plication in the anterior and posterior or anterior, posterior, and inferior positions may restore anterior translation closest to baseline; (2) 10-mm anterior and posterior or 15-mm anterior plications may restore posterior translation closest to baseline; and (3) 5-mm anterior and posterior or anterior, posterior, and inferior plications may restore inferior translation closest to baseline. Future studies using arthroscopic techniques for plication or open techniques via a true surgical approach might further characterize the effect of plication on glenohumeral translation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study found that specific combinations of plication magnitude and location can be used to restore glenohumeral translation from a lax capsular state to a native state. This information can be used to guide surgical technique based on an individual patient's degree and direction of capsular laxity. In vivo testing of glenohumeral translation before and after capsular plication will be needed to validate these cadaveric results.

Effect of arthroscopic techniques on joint volume in shoulder instability: Bankart repair versus capsular shift

PURPOSE

The evaluation of glenohumeral joint volume in both unstable (with/without laxity) and stable shoulders (subacromial impingement) and volume reduction potential of arthroscopic techniques: (labral anchor repair vs. capsular shift).

METHODS

Material was based on 133 patients: anterior shoulder instability without laxity (group I, n = 49), with laxity (group II, n = 22) and subacromial impingement (control group, n = 62) operated in 2010-2011. Group I received arthroscopic Bankart repair, group; II - arthroscopic anterior capsular plication, control group - subacromial decompression. Joint volume was measured by fluid aspiration into the syringe via arthroscope, before and after procedure. Then volume reduction potential was calculated.

RESULTS

The following average values of initial joint volume were recorded: group I - 26.8 ml group II - 43.7 ml and the control group - 25.6 ml with significant differences: impingement vs. instability + laxity (p < 0.00001), impingement vs. instability without laxity (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference between groups I and II. Joint volume was significantly reduced after labral repair (by average of 37 %, 13.8 ml, p < 0.0001). Capsular shift led to an even greater and more significant volume decrease (61 %, 26.7 ml, p < 0.001). Joint volume in the control group was reduced only by 11 %, 3.8 ml (p = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with unstable shoulders have enlarged joint volume as compared to patients with subacromial impingement. Arthroscopic techniques lead to a significant joint volume reduction, with the most powerful effect for capsular shift. Level of Evidence - Level 2.

Factors affecting capsular volume changes and association with outcomes after Bankart repair and capsular shift

BACKGROUND

Capsular laxity is a main contributing factor in recurrent shoulder instability and is suggested to be correlated with increased capsular volume. Arthroscopic capsular shift combined with Bankart repair can reduce the capsular volume and reinforce the redundant capsule; however, as the capsuloligamentous structure has viscoelastic properties, it is possible for the shifted and tensioned capsule of the glenohumeral joint to slowly stretch out again over time, resulting in an increase in capsular volume.

PURPOSE

To analyze changes in capsular volume of the glenohumeral joint over time after arthroscopic Bankart repair and capsular shift, the factors associated with these changes, and their relevance to outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Included in this study were 105 patients (mean age, 25.8 ± 8.2 years) who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair and capsular shift for anterior shoulder instability and computed tomography arthrography (CTA) at 3 months and 1 year postoperatively and whose various functional outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at the last follow-up (>12 months). Among these patients, 27 also had preoperative CTA. These 27 patients were used to make comparisons between preoperative and 3-month postoperative CTA measurements, and all 105 patients were used for all other comparisons. Two raters measured the separate anterior and posterior capsular volume and cross-sectional area at the 5-o'clock position using 3-dimensional (3D) Slicer software. These measurements were subsequently adjusted for each glenoid size. The changes in capsular volume and cross-sectional area at the 5-o'clock position over time, the factors related to higher change in anterior capsular volume, and their correlation with outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Three months postoperatively, the total and anterior capsular volume and anterior cross-sectional area significantly decreased; however, these values increased again at 1 year postoperatively (all P < .01). The inter- and intraobserver reliabilities of the measurements were excellent (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.717-0.945). Female sex, being an elite athlete, and more dislocations before surgery were related to a higher increase in anterior capsular volume at 1 year (all P < .05). Eight patients had redislocation, and 18 exhibited positive apprehension test postoperatively, and these patients showed significantly higher increases in anterior and total capsular volume at 1 year than did those without redislocation or positive apprehension sign (all P < .01). However, with the exception of Rowe score, a higher increase in anterior capsular volume was not related to functional outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

Surgeons should be aware of the re-increase in anterior capsular volume or restretching trait of the anterior capsule over time, even after successful arthroscopic Bankart repair and capsular shift. In this study, women, elite athletes, and those with frequent dislocations were at high risk of capsular restretching. An increase in capsular volume was related to redislocation and positive apprehension sign as well as with Rowe score.

Multidirectional instability of the shoulder: biomechanics, clinical presentation, and treatment strategies

Multidirectional instability (MDI) of the shoulder is a condition where the dislocation occurs in more than one direction with minimal or no causative trauma. Its pathoanatomy is complex and characterized by a redundant capsule, resulting in increased glenohumeral joint volume. The fact that several further factors may contribute to symptom onset complicates the diagnosis and hampers the identification of a therapeutic approach suitable for all cases. There is general agreement that the initial treatment should be conservative and that surgery should be reserved for patients who have not responded to an ad hoc rehabilitation program. We review the biomechanics, clinical presentation, and treatment strategies of shoulder MDI.

Inferior suture anchor placement during arthroscopic Bankart repair: influence of portal placement and curved drill guide

BACKGROUND

During arthroscopic Bankart repair, inferior anchor placement is critical to a successful outcome. Low anterior anchors may be placed with a standard straight guide via midglenoid portal, with a straight guide with trans-subscapularis placement, or with curved guide systems. Purpose/

HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate glenoid suture anchor trajectory, position, and biomechanical performance as a function of portal location and insertion technique. It is hypothesized that a trans-subscapularis portal or curved guide will improve anchor position, decrease risk of opposite cortex breach, and confer improved biomechanical properties.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Thirty cadaveric shoulders were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: straight guide, midglenoid portal (MG); straight guide, trans-subscapularis portal (TS); and curved guide, midglenoid portal (CG). Three BioRaptor PK 2.3-mm anchors were inserted arthroscopically, with an anchor placed at 3, 5, and 7 o'clock. Specimens were dissected with any anchor perforation of the opposite cortex noted. An "en face" image was used to evaluate actual anchor position on a clockface scale. Each suture anchor underwent cyclic loading (10-60 N, 250 cycles), followed by a load-to-failure test (12.5 mm/s). Fisher exact test and mixed effects regression modeling were used to compare outcomes among groups.

RESULTS

Anchor placement deviated from the desired position by 9.9° ± 11.4° in MG specimens, 11.1° ± 13.8° in TS, and 13.1° ± 14.5° in CG. After dissection, opposite cortex perforation at 5 o'clock occurred in 50% of MG anchors, 0% of TS, and 40% of CG. Of the 90 anchors tested, 17 (19%) failed during cyclic loading, with a similar failure rate across groups (P = .816). The maximum load was significantly higher for the 3-o'clock anchors when compared with the 5-o'clock anchors, regardless of portal or guide (P = .021). For the 5-o'clock position, there were significantly fewer "out" anchors in the TS group versus the CG or MG group (P = .038). There was no statistically significant difference in maximum load among groups at 5 o'clock.

CONCLUSION

Accuracy in suture anchor placement during arthroscopic Bankart repair can vary depending on both portal used and desired position of anchor. The results of the current study indicate that there was no difference in ultimate load to failure among anchors inserted via a midglenoid straight guide, midglenoid curved guide, or percutaneous trans-subscapularis approach. However, midglenoid portal anchors drilled with a straight or curved guide and placed at the 5-o'clock position had significant increased risk of opposite cortex perforation compared with trans-subscapularis percutaneous insertion, with no apparent biomechanical detriment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The findings from this study will facilitate improved understanding of risks and benefits of several techniques for arthroscopic shoulder instability treatment with regard to suture anchor fixation.

An arthroscopic pleated capsular shift for recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder

PURPOSE

This study examined the clinical results of an arthroscopic simple pleated capsular shift to treat severe recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with anterior labroligamentous periosteal sleeve avulsion or advanced lesions who underwent an arthroscopic simple pleated capsular shift were included in this study. To create an arthroscopic simple pleated capsular shift, redundant capsules, including glenohumeral ligaments, were brought at least 1 cm lateral and 1 cm inferior and shifted to the prepared glenoid. Four sutures were made at the 5, 4, 3, and 1-2 o'clock positions with four anchors. Clinical results were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS), ROWE scores, active motion, and return to activity. Statistical analyses were carried out using paired t tests.

RESULTS

Three out of 24 patients had complaints. Two patients with recurrent instability underwent a repeat surgery, while the other patient complained of a stiff shoulder. There was a significant improvement in the VAS and ROWE scores post-operatively versus pre-operatively (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively), but no significant differences in active motion except for external rotation, which decreased post-operatively (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with severe recurrent anterior dislocation, simple pleated capsular shift provided a reliable result. Four capsular shift sutures, 1 cm lateral and 1 cm inferior from the glenoid, were sufficient to reduce shoulder joint volume and restore stability. The arthroscopic capsular shift could be an alternative method in the case of no available labral lesion for repair.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Case series, Therapeutic, Level IV.

Open capsular shift and arthroscopic capsular plication for treatment of multidirectional instability

PURPOSE

To compare the results of open inferior capsular shift with arthroscopic capsular plication for multidirectional instability in patients without a Bankart lesion. We hypothesized that there is no difference with regard to the specific clinical outcomes evaluated, including recurrent instability, range of motion, return to sport, and complications.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search. Databases searched included PubMed from 1966 to 2010, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Controlled Trials, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) from 1982 to 2010, and SPORTDiscus from 1975 to 2010. Limits included English language, human subjects, and title.

RESULTS

We found 7 articles with a total of 197 patients (219 shoulders) that met our inclusion criteria. The data did not clearly show open treatment to be superior to arthroscopic treatment. No study reported a consistent loss of greater than 40° of external rotation. No technique showed significantly less external rotation loss over the other. Whereas there was a slight trend toward increased return to sport for patients treated arthroscopically, no clear conclusion can be drawn given the variability of reporting in the reviewed studies. Analysis of complications shows that both procedures are reliably safe with minimal complications.

CONCLUSIONS

When one is evaluating patients with traumatic or atraumatic onset of shoulder instability in 2 directions and no structural lesions, arthroscopic capsular plication yields comparable results to open capsular shift with regard to recurrent instability, return to sport, loss of external rotation, and overall complications.

Management of multidirectional instability of the shoulder

Multidirectional shoulder instability is defined as symptomatic instability in two or more directions. Instability occurs when static and dynamic shoulder stabilizers become incompetent due to congenital or acquired means. Nonspecific activity-related pain and decreased athletic performance are common presenting complaints. Clinical suspicion for instability is essential for timely diagnosis. Several examination techniques can be used to identify increased glenohumeral translation. It is critical to distinguish increased laxity from instability. Initial management begins with therapeutic rehabilitation. If surgical management is required, capsular plication has been used successfully. Advanced arthroscopic techniques offer several advantages over traditional open approaches and may have similar outcomes. The role of rotator interval capsular plication is controversial, but it may be used to augment capsular plication in patients with specific patterns of instability. Despite encouraging results, outcomes remain inferior to those associated with traumatic unidirectional instability.

Arthroscopic capsular shift technique and volume reduction

Multidirectional instability is very complex pathology. Excessively redundant capsule is one of the important reasons causing symptomatic laxity in multiple planes. Arthroscopic techniques are not able to reproduce the potential of open methods to reduce the joint volume. Most of the studies based their measurements on cadaver model. The aim of the study was to develop simple and reproducible technique to perform arthroscopic capsular shift and measure its volume reduction potential in both cadaveric and clinical setting. Technique is described in the paper. Capsular shift was applied both in cadaver and clinical scenario. Based on group of 5 cadaver shoulder specimen, glenohumeral joint volume was reduced from average of 19.4 ± 7.8 ml to 11.9 ± 4.5 ml following arthroscopic capsular shift (37.9% volume reduction). Clinical material consisted of 12 consecutive patients shoulder with instability and joint laxity undergoing the arthroscopic capsular shift. Average glenohumeral volume before capsular shift was 43.5 ± 10 ml and was reduced to 17.5 ± 4.3 ml (58.8% volume reduction). Arthroscopic capsular shift presented in this paper seems to be relatively easy to perform and safe procedure. The technique provides significant decrease in joint volume in both cadaveric and clinical parts of the study.

Sequential volume reduction with capsular plications: relationship between cumulative size of plications and volumetric reduction for multidirectional instability of the shoulder

PURPOSE

To quantify the relationship between the amount of shoulder capsule imbricated with a simple stitch and the degree of glenohumeral volume reduction in a multidirectional instability model. Secondary purposes were to identify the number of arthroscopic plication stitches required to reduce the shoulder volume equal to that of an open lateral-based inferior capsular shift and to compare volume reductions between suture anchor and suture-only capsular plication stitches.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Twelve fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders (mean age, 64.4 years) were dissected to the level of the rotator cuff. A viscous liquid was injected into each joint, and measurements were taken before and after six 1-cm arthroscopic capsular plication stitches were performed. The sizes of the capsular plications were measured to quantify the amount of capsule imbricated with each simple stitch. A repeated random-intercept regression model was fitted for each outcome, with significance set at P = .05.

RESULTS

There was a near-linear relationship, with each 1 cm of total plication equaling 10% volume reduction up to 4.0 cm. After this, each additional 1-cm plication stitch resulted in 2% to 6% more reduction (mean, 4%). Five simple plication stitches reduced the volume by 52% in the suture anchor group and 49% in the suture-only group. The suture anchor achieved 3% greater volumetric reduction than the suture-only plication stitches, but this effect was not statistically significant (P = .06). Conclusion/

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A 1-cm capsular plication stitch results in a roughly 10% volume reduction of the glenohumeral joint. Five simple capsular plication stitches result in a volume reduction equivalent to an open lateral-based capsular shift.

[Multidirectional shoulder instability. Nonoperative and operative treatment strategies]

Multidirectional shoulder instability (MDI) is characterized by symptomatic instability in at least two directions, often with a global hyperlaxity. The etiology is mostly atraumatic, with an acquired or congenital enlarged capsular volume or redundancy. Muscular imbalances and pathologic patterns of muscle recruitment and motion are also common findings. Traumatic onset of MDI is rare, although capsulolabral lesions can be found during surgery. Therapy aims at a normalization of muscle balance/weakness and motion patterns. If conservative treatment fails, arthroscopic capsular plication techniques, in combination with repair of labral and interval lesions, can accomplish results similar to those of classic open techniques but with reduced morbidity and invasiveness.

Open and arthroscopic treatment of multidirectional instability of the shoulder

Multidirectional instability of the shoulder can be a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma for orthopaedic surgeons. First described by Neer and Foster, the mainstay of treatment is usually conservative, with most patients doing very well with nonoperative management. In patients with recalcitrant symptoms, surgical treatment primarily has been aimed at addressing the pathologically increased capsular volume. Newer studies suggest that the pathology also includes abnormal labral morphology and perhaps inadequate neuromuscular control. The arthroscopic treatment of multidirectional instability has come to have comparable results to open techniques when the multifactorial nature of the disease is recognized and the multiple techniques are used in combination to fully treat all pathology. Thermal capsulorrhaphy cannot be recommended at this time, except perhaps as an adjunct to other capsular plication or capsulorrhaphy techniques. The advantages of a less invasive procedure make arthroscopic capsular plication attractive, but it is associated with increased technical difficulty and a steep learning curve. Further studies are needed to distinguish a clear advantage of one over the other. Regardless of the technique used, the key to success is addressing the capsular laxity and redundancy to restore anatomic capsuloligamentous tension without overconstraining the shoulder.