Shoulder dislocation and its treatment are probably as old as time. Surgical treatment has gained acceptance recently, especially in recurrent cases. Within roughly the last 100 years numerous treatment strategies have been developed and questions elucidated regarding the entity of shoulder instability. Shoulder instability holds many eponymous terms. By means of literature and historical research we present the biographical background of some common eponymous terms and the original publication on which those terms are based. We describe the Perthes lesion, Bankart lesion and repair, Hill–Sachs lesion, Bristow–Latarjet procedure and Eden–Hybbinette procedure. Shoulder instability has been recognized and treated for many centuries. Before the invention of X-rays and the ability to intervene surgically, empirical reduction and time were the only feasible treatment options. Understanding of the pathophysiology of this problem and its corresponding treatment has kept increasing since the 19th century. The originators involved still have their name attached to the different signs and procedures.

IV.