High Rates of Return To Play Following Surgical Stabilization for Shoulder Instability in Adolescent Athletes: A Systematic Review.
ArthroscopyJun 14, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchOrthopedic Surgery
Alexander J Hodakowski, Eoghan T Hurley, Juan Bernardo Villarreal-Espinosa et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated return to play (RTP) rates and recurrent instability after surgical stabilization for anterior shoulder instability in adolescent athletes. Analyzing 25 studies with 1,172 patients, it found that 66% to 100% of those undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair returned to play, while the Latarjet procedure had the lowest recurrent instability rates at 0% to 8%.
Key findings
- 66% to 100% of patients returned to play after arthroscopic Bankart repair.
- 88% to 100% of patients returned to play after open Bankart repair.
- 72% to 94% of patients returned to play after the Latarjet procedure.
- Recurrent instability rates were lowest for the Latarjet procedure at 0% to 8%.
Why it matters
Understanding RTP rates and recurrent instability after shoulder stabilization in adolescents is crucial for guiding treatment decisions and setting realistic expectations for recovery in young athletes.