Shoulder instability in the young athlete.

Shoulder instability is common in young athletes due to acute and repetitive trauma, as well as overuse in athletes with generalized ligamentous laxity. In overhead athletes, instability may present as impingement or rotator cuff tenderness. Fortunately, most symptomatic instability can be treatedwith rehabilitation. In athletes with recurrent symptomatic instability despite conservative treatment, surgical stabilization can restore function and allow return to sport.