Athletes with Primary Glenohumeral Instability Demonstrate Lower Rates of Bone Loss than those with Recurrent Instability and Failed Prior Stabilisation.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to compare the preoperative magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) findings in patients who underwent glenohumeral stabilization with a history of primary instability, recurrent instability or failed prior stabilization. METHODS All patients who presented with glenohumeral instability and underwent stabilization under a single surgeon in our institution between 2008 and 2020 were considered for inclusion in this study. The MRA findings of all were recorded. Imaging findings were compared between those with primary instability, recurrent instability, and those with failed prior stabilization. A p-value of p 0.05). CONCLUSION Patients presenting for stabilization with recurrent instability or following a failed prior stabilization possess higher rates of glenohumeral bone loss when compared to those with primary instability. Therefore, stabilization of primary instability, particularly in high functioning athletes with a view to preventing recurrence may reduce overall progression of glenohumeral bone loss and potential subsequent inferior clinical outcomes.