INTRODUCTION: Multidirectional shoulder instability (MDI) occurs when the shoulder is dislocating in at least two directions. The patient usually experiences pain with apprehension and a clicking sensation inside the joint. So far, a few classification scales of shoulder instability have been made. Despite this fact, MDI is highly problematic for clinicians in diagnosis and treating. AIM: This article presents the current trends in the conservative treatment of multidirectional instability, assess effectiveness of rehabilitation and indicates the directions of MDI research. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In order to find current literature and conduct a critical analysis, the following scientific database was used: Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Medline and PubMed. We chose four articles which included a comparison of conservative and operative treatment, and four which evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation. RESULTS: Low quality evidence shows priority of surgical treatment over conservative treatment. The protocol developed by Watson obtains a statistically significant advantage over the Burkhead and Rockwood protocol. DISCUSSION: The effectiveness of rehabilitation reaches different levels. Rehabilitation should last from 3 to 12 months. If rehabilitation does not achieve a sufficient effect, arthroscopic methods of reducing the volume of the articular capsule should be considered. Due to the small number of scientific reports and their quality, the obtained data should be interpreted with caution. Much further research is required to create a precise and most effective algorithm. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation exercises play an important role in the treatment of multidirectional instability of the shoulder joint, especially when the patient has not had an injury. Exercise types and load should be dosed individually. At present, the protocol described by Watson is the most effective.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• DOI
• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher