The laser-assisted capsular shift procedure on an intercollegiate volleyball player: a case report

Abstract

Objective: To present a new arthroscopic technique, the laser-assisted capsular shift (LACS), which decreases glenohumeral instability and reduces recovery time over traditional surgical procedures.

Background: A student-athlete hyperabducted her right shoulder while diving for a ball during a volleyball match. She complained of pain, weakness, and inability to raise her arm above shoulder height in any plane.

Differential diagnosis: Capsular sprain, subluxation, rotator cuff strain, glenoid labral lesion.

Treatment: The student-athlete was unable to play due to pain and dysfunction and so elected to have the LACS procedure performed.

Uniqueness: The LACS procedure is a relatively new procedure for tightening the capsule and decreasing glenohumeral instability. Immobilization and recovery time are reduced when compared with traditional treatment methods.

Conclusions: The LACS procedure appears to be a good alternative to some of the traditional methods used to treat glenohumeral instability.