As the popularity of thermal capsular shrinkage continues to increase, analysis of complications and failures will continue to provide helpful information in guiding patient selection and decreasing morbidity. Patients who are undergoing revision surgery or who have a history of multiple preoperative dislocations appear to be at higher risk for failure with thermal shrinkage surgery. Caution should be exercised for patients who participate in contact or collision sports, as well as those with MDI. Further study may determine whether thermal shrinkage is most appropriate for microinstability or used as an adjunct to other stabilization procedures.
