Abstract
Shoulder istability is an increasing problem in the natonal rugby league. Arthroscopic stabilisation has become an acceptable form of treatment for this instability. This study details the results of surgery to 32 elite contact athletes from one NRL club— the North Queensland Cowboys
Thirty-two cases of shoulder stabilisation have been performed on the players from the North Queensland Cowboys since 2003. A case series presentation of these procedures and follow up shall be detailed.
Thirty-two cases of instability surgery have been performed on North Queensland Elite Rugby League players. Five procedures were open, two bilateral and five for posterior instability. Two recurrences have been seen in the arthroscopically reconstructed group. The first developed a HAGL at his subsequent instability episode and required open repair.
The second case was a player with significant ligament instability he eventually underwent bilateral open reconstruction.
Arthroscipic stabilisation is an acceptable option for elite rugby league players; recurrence rates are low, range of motion loses are reduced and earlier return to play occurs, when compared to open stabilisation.
