Shoulder instability is a condition where the upper arm bone slips out of the shoulder socket. It often follows a traumatic injury from contact sports or falls. Without proper care, it can lead to repeat dislocations, labral tears, and ongoing pain.
Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, with over 15 years of experience treating shoulder instability in athletes and active adults throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. His approach starts with a thorough diagnosis and builds a treatment plan around your specific needs, whether that means non-surgical care or advanced arthroscopic surgery.
Diagnosis and Expertise
Dr. Reza Jazayeri has extensive experience managing shoulder instability, from first-time dislocators to athletes with recurrent instability.
Labral Injury and the Bankart Lesion
A Bankart lesion refers to a tear of the anterior-inferior labrum, a ring of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket and contributes to joint stability. This type of labral tear is commonly seen after a traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation.
Without appropriate treatment, a torn labrum can lead to chronic instability and higher risk of repeat dislocations—especially in young, athletic individuals.
The diagnostic process includes:
- A detailed clinical history and physical examination
- Advanced imaging (MRI with arthrogram and/or CT scan) to assess the labrum, capsule, and bone loss
- Functional assessment, especially in in-season athletes and overhead athletes
Dr. Jazayeri is nationally recognized for his expertise in treating shoulder instability. He has:
- Presented numerous lectures and research at major orthopedic conferences
- Led training sessions and cadaver labs on shoulder arthroscopy for residents and fellows
- Focused his academic discussions on return-to-play strategies for in-season athletes after traumatic dislocations
It Most Commonly Affects:
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, but this mobility comes at the cost of stability. When the soft tissues that hold the shoulder in place—particularly the labrum and capsule—are damaged, the shoulder can become unstable. Patients may experience:
- A sensation of the shoulder “slipping out”
- Recurrent dislocations or subluxations (partial dislocations)
- Pain during activity or overhead movement
- Decreased strength and range of motion
Apprehension or fear of dislocation during certain movements
Dr. Jazayeri’s Surgical Approach:
Arthroscopic Bankart Repair with Advanced Techniques
What is Arthroscopic Bankart Repair?
Arthroscopic Bankart repair is a minimally invasive procedureperformed using small incisions and a camera to reattach the torn labrum and tighten the capsule. Anchors with sutures are placed into the glenoid to secure the labrum and restore stability.
What Is the Remplissage Procedure?
In patients with engaging Hill-Sachs lesions—a compression injury to the humeral head that occurs during dislocation—Dr. Jazayeri often incorporates a procedure called remplissage(French for “filling in”).
The remplissage procedure involves anchoring the infraspinatus tendon into the Hill-Sachs defect, converting it into a non-engaging lesion. This “fills in” the bony defect and prevents the humeral head from slipping out again during shoulder movement.
This technique is particularly useful in patients with moderate bone loss or high-risk profiles for recurrent dislocation, such as:
- Young male athletes
- Contact or collision sport athletes
- Patients with hyperlaxity or multiple prior dislocations
Outcomes and Evidence-Based Results
Studies have shown that standard arthroscopic Bankart repair alone has a recurrence rate of 15–25%, particularly in younger, high-demand athletes. When combined with the remplissage procedure, recurrence rates drop significantly.
Recent evidence supports the superiority of remplissage in high-risk patients:
- A large systematic review and meta-analysis found that isolated Bankart repair had significantly higher rates of recurrent dislocation (OR = 4.22) and revision surgeries (OR = 3.36) compared to Bankart plus remplissage, with no significant difference in shoulder range of motion.
- A multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated that remplissage significantly reduced both failure rates (8% vs. 22%) and recurrent instability (10% vs. 30%) over a 4-year follow-up.
- Another meta-analysis concluded that remplissage plus Bankart is superior to Bankart alone in reducing redislocations and improving shoulder function in patients with engaging Hill-Sachs lesions.
- In off-track lesions, a retrospective study confirmed that remplissage lowered redislocation risk, though it may result in minor loss of motion.
- A long-term follow-up study (mean 8 years) of remplissage + Bankart reported only a 5.6% recurrence rate, with high patient satisfaction and preserved range of motion.
Optimized Recovery: Beyond Surgery
Dr. Jazayeri’s approach to recovery extends far beyond the operating room. He incorporates a comprehensive strategy to support healing, accelerate recovery, and reduce risk of reinjury.
Nutritional Optimization and Amino Acid Supplementation
To combat the catabolic stress response after surgery, Dr. Jazayeri implements a protocol of targeted amino acid supplementation designed to:
- Preserve lean muscle mass
- Support collagen synthesis
- Enhance tendon-to-bone healing
This nutritional optimization is especially important in athletes and active individuals aiming to return to high-performance levels.
Sport-Specific & Digital Physical Therapy
Each rehabilitation plan is customized based on the sport, position, and physical demands of the patient. In addition, digital physical therapy tracking tools are used to monitor progress, ensure adherence, and allow real-time communication between patient, therapist, and surgical team.
Orthobiologics to Support Healing
Dr. Jazayeri also offers select patients the option to incorporate orthobiologic augmentation, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or bone marrow-derived products, which may help:
- Modulate inflammation
- Stimulate healing at the labrum and capsule
- Promote earlier return to activity
These adjunctive treatments are carefully selected and discussed based on the individual’s goals, tissue quality, and surgical findings.
Return to Sport:
PERSONALIZED STRATEGY FOR ATHLETES
A traumatic shoulder dislocation during the season can be devastating for an athlete. Dr. Jazayeri works closely with each patient to determine the best strategy, balancing:
- Risk of recurrence
- Timing within the competitive season
- Functional demands of the sport
- Long-term shoulder health
He develops personalized return-to-play protocols and leverages advanced surgical techniques, nutritional support, and modern rehabilitation strategies to help athletes return to sport with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Instability Treatment
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Shoulder instability occurs when the upper arm bone slips out of the shoulder socket. This can happen due to injuries or repetitive motions, leading to pain and dislocations.
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Treatment options include conservative methods like physical therapy and activity modification. If these do not work, surgical options such as arthroscopic repair may be necessary to restore stability.
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Physical therapy strengthens the muscles around the shoulder and improves coordination. A structured program can help prevent future dislocations and support recovery after surgery.
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After surgery, rehabilitation is crucial for recovery. You will follow a customized plan that may include physical therapy and nutritional support to aid healing and restore function.
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To prevent recurrence, it’s important to follow your rehabilitation plan and attend follow-up appointments. Staying engaged with your care team helps ensure you regain strength and avoid future injuries.
Why Choose Dr. Reza Jazayeri For Shoulder Instability?
Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He has over 15 years of experience in treating shoulder instability and a deep grasp of how this condition affects athletes and active individuals. His training at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic ensures he uses the latest techniques for both non-surgical and surgical options.
Dr. Jazayeri focuses on personalized care. He starts with a thorough diagnosis to create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Whether it’s physical therapy or advanced arthroscopic surgery, he prioritizes your recovery and long-term shoulder health. His approach combines minimally invasive techniques with nutritional optimization to support healing.
Located in the Greater Los Angeles area, Dr. Jazayeri is easily accessible for patients from Beverly Hills and surrounding communities. He is committed to treating every patient with the same care he would give to his own family. This dedication makes him a trusted choice for anyone dealing with shoulder instability.
Meet Dr. Reza Jazayeri
Dr. Reza Jazayeri specializes in sports medicine with expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries. A Southern California native, Dr. Jazayeri combines an engineering background with elite surgical training, completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the nationally ranked NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and a sports medicine fellowship at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.
After more than 15 years caring for patients within the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Jazayeri joined DOCS Health to expand a practice focused on personalized orthopedic and sports medicine care and surgical excellence. As Director of Longevity at DOCS Health, he leads the development and implementation of optimization protocols and regenerative medicine strategies designed to improve long-term musculoskeletal health and extend healthspan.
His published work includes a 2026 coauthored review of nutritional optimization in spine surgery in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. View Dr. Jazayeri’s research publications and training.
Dr. Jazayeri is one of the best surgeons I’ve ever had. Last year I fell on my left shoulder and damaged it so badly that the only option was a total reverse shoulder replacement. After consulting with Dr. Jazayeri, he explained the procedure and also the follow-up issues. He didn’t sugar coat anything but said he was confident he could take away my pain and restore almost all of my shoulder motion. He delivered exactly as he had promised. I also took his advice and did the amino acid regimen as part of my recovery. I’m so lucky to have had him as my surgeon for this procedure. Thank you, Dr. Jazayeri, so much.
Explore Treatment Options With Dr. Reza Jazayeri
If shoulder instability is affecting your daily life or athletic performance, you can explore your options with Dr. Reza Jazayeri. He is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with sports medicine fellowship training at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic and over 15 years of clinical experience. His practice serves patients throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, with convenient access from Beverly Hills and surrounding communities.
Virtual consultations are also available for patients across California and beyond. Every treatment plan starts with a careful diagnosis and a discussion of what makes sense for your shoulder, your goals, and your life.
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
