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Thomas Classification of Shoulder Instability

Classification Description
TUBS (Trauma, Unidirectional, Bankart, Surgery) This type of shoulder instability has a clear history of trauma, is unidirectional, involves a Bankart lesion, and responds well to surgical treatment.
AMBRI (Atrauma, Multidirectional, Bilateral, Rehabilitation, Inferior) This type has no clear history of trauma, features multidirectional instability in both shoulders, responds well to rehabilitation, especially strengthening of the rotator cuff, and surgical tightening of the inferior part of the joint capsule can also yield good results.

References

Research Paper Thomas SC, Matsen FA. An approach to the repair of avulsion of the glenohumeral ligaments in the management of traumatic anterior glenohumeral instability. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1989; 71: 506-13.
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