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Arthroscopic Bankart Repair for Shoulder Dislocations

To help you discuss arthroscopic bankart repair surgery as a treatment option for shoulder dislocation with your orthopedic surgeon, here’s a breakdown of this surgical procedure.

What Is a Bankart Tear?

During a shoulder injury, a cuff of cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket known as the labrum can tear. A specific type of labrum tear is called a Bankart tear, which makes the shoulder more prone to repeated dislocations for patients under 30.

Non-invasive treatment measures for a Bankart tear include rest and immobilization with a sling, followed by physical therapy. 

If non-invasive treatment measures do not improve the condition, the orthopedic surgeon may recommend arthroscopic Bankart tear repair surgery.

How Is Arthroscopic Bankart Repair Surgery Performed? 

Bankart repair surgery can be performed by a minimally invasive surgical technique called arthroscopy. Arthroscopy causes minimal disruption to the other shoulder structures and does not require the orthopedic surgeon to detach and reattach the overlying shoulder muscle (subscapularis) as with the open technique. The surgeon performs the surgery according to the following procedure: 

  • The orthopedic surgeon makes a few small incisions over the shoulder joint. 
  • The surgone inserts an arthroscope through one of the incisions into the shoulder joint. An arthroscope is a slender, tubular device attached with a light and a small video camera which transmits images from inside of the shoulder joint onto a television monitor.
  • The surgeon trims the edges of the glenoid cavity.
  • The surgeon inserts suture anchors to reattach the detached labrum to the glenoid. 
  • The surgeon closes the tiny incisions and covers them d with a bandage.

What Happens After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair Surgery? 

After arthroscopic Bankart repair surgery, the orthopedic surgeon provides the following postoperative care instructions: 

  •  Start shoulder exercises with a physical therapist the day following surgery to strengthen and improve the range of motion of the shoulder joint.
  • Perform daily activities as tolerated, but without lifting objects heavier than a plate or glass.
  • The patient’s arm may be placed in a sling for three weeks to restrict the use of the operated shoulder.
  • The patient may resume light low-risk activities, like jogging and swimming, 8 to 10 weeks after surgery, and may be advised to avoid contact sports for some time.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Arthroscopic Bankart Repair Surgery?

As a minimally invasive procedure, arthroscopic Bankart repair surgery is associated with fewer risks and a quicker recovery. As with any surgery, some of the potential risks and complications of Bankart repair surgery may include bleeding, infection, pain, swelling, and damage to the bones or surrounding soft tissues. 

A Bankart tear can be painful and debilitating. Even worse, it can make your shoulder prone to multiple dislocations. See how minimally invasive, arthroscopic Bankart repair surgery can help solve the problem — and get your life back.