Return to sport following shoulder stabilisation surgery

This study from the Taranaki Medical Foundation in New Zealand is investigating how to safely determine when it is appropriate for athletes to return to sport after shoulder stabilisation surgery. Shoulder instability — where the joint repeatedly dislocates — is particularly common in younger active people. Surgery helps stabilise the shoulder, but there is currently no standardised way to test whether someone is truly ready to return to their sport safely. The study will test several assessment methods after surgery to help identify both when someone is ready and when they need more strengthening or rehabilitation. This will help reduce the risk of re-injury. You may be eligible if you are aged 16–40, had one or more previous traumatic shoulder dislocations, were actively playing sport before the injury, intend to return to weekly sport after surgery, and are undergoing anterior shoulder stabilisation surgery (arthroscopic, open, or Latarjet procedure). People who have previously had surgery on the same shoulder or are having a HAGL repair are excluded.