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Shoulder Stabilization

Shoulder Stabilization in Colorado Springs, CO

If recurring shoulder dislocations, instability, or a feeling that your shoulder may "slip out" are limiting your ability to work, exercise, or participate in sports, shoulder stabilization surgery may help restore confidence and function. At Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group (CSOG), our orthopedic shoulder specialists provide advanced shoulder stabilization procedures designed to repair damaged soft tissues, restore joint stability, and reduce the risk of future dislocations. Patients throughout Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado trust our experienced team for comprehensive shoulder care focused on relieving pain, improving function, and helping them return to active lifestyles.

Whether your shoulder instability developed from a sports injury, traumatic dislocation, or repetitive shoulder strain, CSOG offers personalized treatment plans using the latest arthroscopic and minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate. Our goal is to restore shoulder strength, stability, and long-term joint health.

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Shoulder Service

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group

Your shoulder is one of the body's most mobile joints, allowing you to reach, lift, rotate, and perform countless everyday movements. Because of this mobility, the shoulder can also be susceptible to injuries, overuse, arthritis, and other conditions that cause pain and limit movement.

CSOG provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of shoulder conditions, from sports injuries and tendon problems to arthritis, instability, and fractures. Depending on your condition, treatment may include physical therapy, activity modification, medications, injections, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.

Our shoulder specialists take the time to understand your symptoms, activity level, and goals so you can receive treatment designed to reduce pain, improve function, and help you get back to the activities that are important to you.

Shoulder Stabilization Surgeon in Colorado Springs, CO

Frequent dislocations of the shoulder joint can lead to chronic shoulder instability. Surgery to stabilize the shoulder may be recommended when conservative treatment options fail. CSOG provides diagnosis and individualized nonoperative and operative treatments for the shoulder including shoulder stabilization in Colorado Springs, CO. CSOG also provides the highest level of care during and after surgery. Contact CSOG’s office for an appointment today!

What is Shoulder Instability?

Shoulder instability is a chronic condition that causes frequent dislocation of the shoulder joint. A dislocation occurs when the end of the humerus (the ball portion) partially or completely dislocates from the glenoid (the socket portion) of the shoulder. A partial dislocation is referred to as a subluxation while a complete separation is referred to as a dislocation. The repeated dislocation of the humerus out of its socket is called chronic shoulder instability. A tear in the labrum or rotator cuff and a ligament tear in the front of the shoulder (a Bankart lesion) may lead to repeated shoulder dislocations.

What are the Indications for Shoulder Stabilization?

When conservative treatment options such as medications, rest and ice application fail to relieve shoulder instability, your surgeon may recommend shoulder stabilization surgery.

What is the Procedure for Shoulder Stabilization?

Shoulder stabilization surgery is performed to improve stability and function to the shoulder joint and prevent recurrent dislocations. It can be performed arthroscopically, depending on your particular condition, with much smaller incisions. Arthroscopic stabilization is a surgical procedure to treat chronic instability of the shoulder joint.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery and is performed through two tiny incisions (portals), about half-inch in length, made around the joint area. Through one of the incisions, an arthroscope (small fiber-optic viewing instrument) is passed. A television camera attached to the arthroscope displays the images of the inside of the joint on the television monitor, which allows your surgeon to view the cartilage, ligaments and the rotator cuff while performing the procedure. A sterile saline solution is pumped into the joint, which expands it and provides a clearer view. Bone spurs, defects or tissue tears will be identified.

Your surgeon makes use of tiny surgical instruments that are passed through the other incisions to treat the condition. Any tear in the rotator cuff will be sutured or stapled. The sutures will be held in place with the help of a small anchor that is drilled into the upper part of the humerus. Further, a thermal shrinkage device may be used in order to make the ligaments tight and prevent instability.

What Does Postoperative Care for Shoulder Stabilization Involve?

Following the procedure, your surgeon may advise the use of a continuous passive motion machine to prevent stiffness and improve the range of motion of the shoulder joint. Pain medications will be prescribed to keep you comfortable. A shoulder sling can be worn for 4-6 weeks to immobilize and facilitate healing. A postoperative rehabilitation program including strengthening exercises will be advised for 6-9 months. You will be able to participate in sports in about 18 to 36 weeks after the surgery.

What are the Advantages of Shoulder Stabilization?

The major benefits of arthroscopic stabilization as compared to the open repair are that it gives a chance to identify and treat coexisting diseases, lesser pain and complications, combined with a shorter hospital stay.

What are the Risks and Complications of Shoulder Stabilization?

As with any surgical procedure, there may be certain risks and complications involved and include infection of the surgical wound, post-operative stiffness, risk of arthritis, muscle weakness and injury to the nerves and blood vessels.

If you would like additional information on the treatment of shoulder conditions or would like to learn more about shoulder stabilization surgery, please contact CSOG, serving the communities of Colorado Springs, CO.

For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us at or click here to request an appointment online. We'll respond to you as soon as possible.

Why Choose Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group for Shoulder Stabilization?

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group is a leading provider of advanced orthopedic shoulder care in Southern Colorado. Our specialists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating shoulder instability, recurrent dislocations, labral tears, and other shoulder conditions using state-of-the-art surgical and rehabilitation techniques.

Patients choose CSOG for shoulder stabilization because we offer:

  • Experienced orthopedic surgeons specializing in shoulder and sports medicine care
  • Advanced arthroscopic shoulder stabilization techniques
  • Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and imaging services
  • Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's condition and goals
  • Minimally invasive surgical options whenever appropriate
  • Integrated physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
  • Multiple convenient Colorado Springs locations
  • Comprehensive care from diagnosis through recovery
  • A patient-centered approach focused on long-term shoulder function and stability

Our team is committed to helping patients regain confidence in their shoulder, reduce the risk of recurrent dislocations, and return safely to work, athletics, and everyday activities.

Shoulder Stabilization FAQs

Patients are under anesthesia during the procedure. Some discomfort is expected afterward, but it is typically manageable with prescribed pain medication and proper postoperative care.
Shoulder instability occurs when the ball of the shoulder joint repeatedly moves partially or completely out of the socket, leading to pain, weakness, a sensation of looseness, or recurrent dislocations.
Common causes include traumatic shoulder dislocations, sports injuries, ligament damage, labral tears such as Bankart lesions, repetitive overhead activities, and generalized joint laxity.
Surgery may be recommended when non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, activity modification, bracing, and medications fail to prevent recurrent dislocations or persistent instability.
Many shoulder stabilization procedures can be performed arthroscopically using small incisions, a camera, and specialized surgical instruments. Your surgeon will determine the best approach based on your specific condition.
Procedure times vary depending on the complexity of the injury but typically range from one to two hours.
Recovery timelines vary by patient and procedure. Many patients participate in physical therapy for several months, with return to sports and higher-level activities often occurring between four and nine months after surgery.
Potential risks include infection, stiffness, recurrent instability, nerve injury, blood vessel injury, arthritis progression, and complications related to anesthesia.

Schedule a Shoulder Stabilization Consultation in Colorado Springs, CO

If recurrent shoulder dislocations, instability, or shoulder pain are affecting your quality of life, the shoulder specialists at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group can help. Our experienced orthopedic team provides comprehensive evaluations, advanced shoulder stabilization procedures, and personalized rehabilitation programs designed to restore shoulder function and help prevent future injuries.

Contact CSOG today to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient Colorado Springs locations. We proudly serve patients throughout Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado with expert shoulder care focused on helping individuals regain stability, confidence, and an active lifestyle.

Colorado Springs Locations
Orthopaedic Care Across Colorado Springs

Visit CSOG at convenient locations for specialty care, Express Care, imaging, therapy, and recovery support.

4110 Briargate Parkway
Suite 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Mon - Thu : 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fri : 7:00 am to 4:00 pm

1655 Quail Lake Loop
Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Mon - Thu : 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fri : 7:00 am to 4:00 pm

6140 Tutt Blvd
Suite 110
Colorado Springs, CO 80923

Mon - Fri : 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Better Movement?

Whether you are dealing with a new injury, chronic pain, arthritis, or recovery after surgery, CSOG can help you find the right orthopaedic care path.