Multidirectional Glenohumeral Instability eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Multidirectional instability (MDI) is a relatively common, generally bilateral, atraumatic condition affecting shoulder function. MDI is caused by generalized capsular laxity—that is, insufficiency of the static ligament constraints. There is excessive mobility of the glenohumeral joint in all directions, although there may be a predominance of 1 direction, typically anteroinferior or posteroinferior.
Synonyms and related keywords: multidirectional shoulder instability, multidirectional shoulder laxity, atraumatic shoulder instability, MDI, shoulder patholaxity, AMBRII
Author: Daniel C Wnorowski, MD 2007