The shoulder is the most commonly dislocated joint in the human body. The incidence of shoulder dislocation is increasing. 1 Recurrence is common and occurs in as many as 67% of cases. 2 Patients often mention a painful, weak arm and a shoulder that readily dislocates with trivial movements. These disabling symptoms can lead to multiple hospital admissions, decreased ability to participate in high level activities, fewer employment opportunities, and a reduction in overall health. 3 The "unstable shoulder" has therefore become a relatively common problem seen in primary healthcare, with a reported incidence rate of 2.8%. 4The aim of this review is to provide a simple framework for the clinical assessment, investigation, and treatment of the unstable shoulder for non-specialists and to highlight key patient groups that benefit from early specialist input.