BESS/BOA Patient Care Pathways

Abstract

Definition Anterior traumatic shoulder instability can be defined as excessive anterior translation of the humeral head on the glenoid fossa caused primarily by a traumatic event. This results in symptoms including pain, discomfort, subluxation or dislocation. This has also been referred to as Type 1 instability (Figure 1) on the Stanmore triangle of instability.1 Figure 1. Stanmore classification of shoulder instability. Shared decision-making The General Medical Council’s ‘Good Medical Practice guide2 clearly states in the section on working in partnership with patients that doctors should: Listen to patients and respond to their concerns and preferences. Give patients the information they want or need in a way they can understand. Respect patients’ right to reach decisions with the doctor about their treatment and care. Support patients in caring for themselves to improve and maintain their health. This can only be achieved by direct consultation between the patient and their treating clinician. Decisions about treatment taken without such direct consultation between patient and treating clinician are not appropriate, as they do not adhere to principles of good medical practice.