Evaluating shoulder instability treatment

Shoulder instability common occurs. When treated nonoperatively, the resulting societal costs based on health care utilization and productivity losses are significant.

Shoulder function can be evaluated using patient reported outcome measurements (PROMs). For shoulder instability, these include the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index (WOSI) and the Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OSIS). When translated and validated for the dutch population, both have good measurment properties.

Scores have to increase at least 12% from baseline to ensure a clinically relevant change.

Arthorscopic surgery or open surgery are treatement options of choice. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The optimal treatment strategy depends on patient based characteristics.