Arthroscopic Bankart Repair

A Bankart lesion is a tear of the shoulder labrum that occurs when the shoulder dislocates.
The labrum is a ring of soft tissue around the socket of the shoulder joint (glenoid) that helps keep the ball of the arm bone in place.
When this ring is torn, the shoulder becomes unstable and may dislocate again, even with small movements.

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair is a keyhole surgical procedure used to repair the torn labrum and restore shoulder stability.

What Is a Bankart Lesion?

When the shoulder dislocates, the front part of the labrum gets pulled away from the bone.
This injury is called a Bankart lesion. Some patients also develop an associated bone injury (Bony Bankart lesion), where a small fragment of bone comes off along with the labrum.

Once torn, the labrum may not heal properly on its own, which leads to recurrent shoulder dislocations.

Why Does the Shoulder Keep Dislocating?

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body — which also makes it vulnerable to instability.
If the labrum remains torn:

• The shoulder may feel like it is slipping out
• Dislocations may happen during sleep
• Even small movements like lifting an arm can trigger instability
• Patients may learn to “put it back” themselves

Young athletes in sports like cricket, kabaddi, football, weightlifting, volleyball and swimming are at higher risk of recurrence.

Symptoms of a Bankart Lesion

Patients usually report:

• History of repeated shoulder dislocations
• Instability when the arm is raised or rotated outward
• A feeling that the shoulder may “pop out”
• Weakness on overhead activities
• Pain after injury
• Avoidance of certain arm movements

On examination, the Apprehension Test is usually positive.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and MRI of the shoulder.

MRI findings typically show:

• Bankart lesion (labrum tear)
• Hill–Sachs lesion on the humeral head
• Sometimes a Bony Bankart if a bone fragment is involved

CT scan may be advised when significant bone loss is suspected.

Why Is Surgery Recommended?

Once the labrum is torn and the shoulder becomes unstable, surgery is usually the only long-term solution.
Non-surgical treatment may control pain temporarily, but it does not repair the tear.

Surgery is recommended when:

• There are recurrent episodes of dislocation
• MRI confirms a Bankart lesion
• Shoulder feels unstable during daily activities
• Patient plays sports or has a physically active lifestyle

What Is Arthroscopic Bankart Repair?

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair is a minimally invasive surgery done through small keyhole incisions.

The goal of the surgery is to:

• Reattach the torn labrum to the glenoid bone
• Restore the normal anatomy of the shoulder
• Tighten the capsule if needed
• Prevent future dislocations

Small anchors (implants) are used to fix the labrum back to the bone.

How the Procedure Is Done

1. The surgery is performed under anesthesia
2. A small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the shoulder
3. The torn labrum is identified and cleaned gently
4. Anchors are placed into the glenoid bone
5. The labrum is stitched securely back in place
6. The skin is closed with tiny stitches

Because the procedure is arthroscopic, muscles are not cut, and scars are very small.

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery is structured and supervised:

• Arm is supported in a sling for a few weeks
• Gentle physiotherapy begins early
• Range of motion improves gradually
• Strengthening exercises follow healing
• Return to sports usually takes 4–6 months

Following the physiotherapy plan is crucial to restore stability and strength.

Expected Results

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair has high success rates, especially in young and active individuals.
After complete rehabilitation, most patients return to their pre-injury activity level, including sports.

Benefits include:

• Stable shoulder
• Reduced risk of future dislocation
• Less pain and improved function
• Small, cosmetic scars
• Faster recovery compared to open surgery

When Is Bone Surgery Needed?

If there is significant bone loss in the socket (glenoid), other procedures may be recommended, such as:

• Latarjet Procedure
• Bone grafting techniques

Your surgeon will guide you after reviewing the MRI and CT scans.

Key Message

Repeated shoulder dislocation is not just a minor injury — it is usually a result of a Bankart lesion.
Arthroscopic Bankart Repair is the standard treatment that repairs the torn labrum, restores stability and lets you return to daily activities and sports with confidence.