Arthroscopic Bankart repair

This is another renowned procedure for the repair of labrum. It is also called arthroscopic stabilization

Bankart lesion is a common shoulder injury that is associated with a torn labrum, specifically, the inferior glenohumeral ligament. This lesion can often lead to shoulder instability.

The following symptoms are shown when the Bankart lesion happens:

  • Sensation of joint instability.
  • Frequent dislocations.
  • Shoulder pain.
  • Feeling that dislocation may happen again.

Diagnosis is done through physical examination and other imaging tests. A main component of physical examination is the “load & shift test”. A frequent slip of the humerus tip can be diagnosed through this test. In most cases, a diagnostic arthroscopy is also performed.

After the diagnosis and other preoperative procedures, surgical procedure known as the arthroscopic bankart repair is performed. The main goal of this procedure is to tighten the torn ligaments and labrum of the shoulder. The damaged labrum and ligaments are re-attached along the glenohumeral cavity by using a keyhole incision. The advantage of using this small incision is that only minimal disturbance is caused on other shoulder parts. Also, there is no necessity for attaching & reattaching the subcapularis muscle (overlying shoulder muscle). The physical therapist often administers a set of exercises. If the patient finds it difficult to perform these methods, a sling is used to provide a proper immobilization period. After a certain stipulated period, the patient shall be able to perform normal activities.