The Epidemiology of Glenohumeral Joint Instability: Incidence, Burden, and Long-term Consequences

Acute traumatic glenohumeral joint instability is common within the general population and endemic in young athletes and physically active populations. Individuals who experience acute traumatic glenohumeral joint instability events are at high risk of recurrent injury. In addition, glenohumeral joint instability results in substantial short-term and long-term consequences, including significant time loss from activity, degenerative joint changes, and reduced quality of life. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology of glenohumeral joint instability, reviews the modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors for glenohumeral joint instability identified in the literature, and discusses the need for developing and implementing effective multilevel strategies for the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of glenohumeral joint instability and the long-term consequences associated with injury.