Arthroscopic evaluation of the unstable shoulder.

The arthroscopic evaluation of glenohumeral instability is based upon having a firm understanding of normal arthroscopic anatomy and knowledge of the structures responsible for the static and dynamic control of glenohumeral translation. Once this has been mastered, shoulder arthroscopy in combination with EUA can play an integral role in the management of shoulder instability. EUA's use in the dislocator is established in the decision of when to proceed with open or arthroscopic stabilization, and its role for prognostic purposes in this situation is less well-defined. For occult instability, shoulder arthroscopy can be diagnostic and be an aid to deciding whether open or arthroscopic stabilization is appropriate.