The results of surgical intervention in 183 patients operated on for recurrent shoulder dislocation from 1962 to 1985 are reported. After an average follow-up of 10 year (min. 3, max. 24), 115 patients (117 shoulders) were evaluated. The Putti-Platt technique was used in 65 patients and Scaglietti's modified technique in 52. Results were evaluated on the basis of pain, mobility, strength, stability, function and subjective opinion of the patient. External rotation was measured in adduction as well as in abduction at 90 degrees. The results were excellent or good in 90% of cases. Almost all the athletes returned to the same level as before dislocation. In 2.5% of cases the results were poor, due to excessive limitation of external rotation which caused severe osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint. Recurrence of dislocation occurred in 2 patients.