The American journal of sports medicine
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the natural history of glenohumeral dislocation in young athletes. A review of the literature revealed a consensus of opinion that the dislocated shoulder should be immobilized from 3-6 weeks. However, a high recurrence rate could be expected. ⋯ All re-dislocations occurred within 18 months of the initial injury. Seventy-nine patients were operated on for recurrent dislocation. With such a high recurrence rate in the athletic age group, the authors question if immobilization affects the prognosis.