Early rehabilitation after a modified inferior capsular shift procedure for multidirectional instability of the shoulder.

Sixteen patients with multidirectional instability of the shoulder underwent an inferior capsular shift procedure with suture anchor augmentation and participated in an early motion and strengthening program. Postoperative rehabilitation included use of a sling with 0 degree to 90 degrees elevation allowed during the first 3 weeks. All patients began isometric shoulder exercise by 3 weeks and initiated progressive resistance exercises by 6 weeks postsurgery. After an average 20 months of follow-up, 14 patients were evaluated for pain, function, range of motion, stability, and activity level. Pain and function improved significantly. No patient reported postoperative subluxation or dislocation, and 11 of 14 patients had returned to their premorbid activity level.