Capsular Plication Surgery

Surgery for multidirectional instability (MDI) is reserved for people with loose shoulders who experience shoulder instability during activities of daily living or sports activities and have failed conservative treatment. Patients with generalized ligamentous laxity and loose shoulders can be susceptible to MDI. Repetitive overhead activities (throwing, swimming, gymnastics, etc.) may possibly stretch these loose capsules out further creating a situation of impaired joint position sense resulting in recurrent and uncontrolled shoulder instability (slipping out of place). The goal of surgery is to re-tension these loose capsules, improve proper joint position sense, and restore shoulder stability.

The overall goal of surgery is to tighten the capsule and ligaments and restore functional stability to the shoulder. Dr. Chudik uses an arthroscopic technique with small incisions (less than 1 cm) in the front and back of the shoulder. With the arthroscope, he is able to use special instruments to take folds or “tucks” of the excess capsule and tighten it by sewing it together.