Shoulder dislocations are quite common, the prevalence over a lifetime being estimated at 2% in the general population. In young patients, recurrence after a primary dislocation is also common (~60%) and multiple recurrent episodes can cause significant disability over time. Following initial reduction of the joint, the traditional treatment for primary shoulder dislocations has been immobilization in a sling, with the arm in a position of adduction and internal rotation. The length of the immobilization period is controversial, however most authors would recommend between three to six weeks in a sling followed by several months of rehabilitation to include range of motion and strengthening exercises. The clinical course of patients after this approach has been extensively investigated. Of particular interest is the relatively high rate of recurrent instability in young patients, reported to be between 17 and 96%.