We reviewed 25 children who presented consecutively with voluntary (habitual) subluxation of the shoulder. 36 shoulders were involved and symptoms had been present for an average period of 12 years. 18 children were managed by 'skillful neglect': all these had become fully active in the profession of their choice and were satisfied with the outcome. 2 of them had required shoulder surgery in adult life but only after trauma. 7 children (10 shoulders) had undergone stabilising operations during childhood with the aim of preventing later degenerative arthritis. These patients were also active in their selected professions, but only 3 (5 of the 10 shoulders) had good results: 2 shoulders had recurrent instability, 2 were painful and one was stiff. None of the shoulders in either group had developed osteoarthritic changes. There was no association with emotional or psychiatric problems. We conclude that voluntary subluxation of the shoulder in children has a favourable prognosis and that there is no indication for surgical intervention during childhood.
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We reviewed 25 children who presented consecutively with voluntary (habitual) subluxation of the shoulder. 36 shoulders were involved and symptoms had been present for an average period of 12 years. 18 children were managed by 'skillful neglect': all these had become fully active in the profession of their choice and were satisfied with the outcome. 2 of them had required shoulder surgery in adult life but only after trauma. 7 children (10 shoulders) had undergone stabilising operations during childhood with the aim of preventing later degenerative arthritis. These patients were also active in their selected professions, but only 3 (5 of the 10 shoulders) had good results: 2 shoulders had recurrent instability, 2 were painful and one was stiff. None of the shoulders in either group had developed osteoarthritic changes. There was no association with emotional or psychiatric problems. We conclude that voluntary subluxation of the shoulder in children has a favourable prognosis and that there is no indication for surgical intervention during childhood.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.