[Management of a first-time dislocation in the athlete].

Management of a first-time dislocation in the athlete patient is challenging. This patient population has important requirements with high expectations and deadlines to meet, especially if the trauma occurs during high season. As initial management is usually conservative with immobilization followed by rehabilitation, some authors support the role of primary surgical treatment in high risk athletes. Indication for surgery and choice of surgical technique is based on an algorithm incorporating risk factors for recurrence and the presence of concomitant bony lesions on the humeral and glenoid sides. Return to sport varies from 3 to 6 months depending on the type of sport practiced.