ARTHROSCOPIC BANKART REPAIR
A Bankart lesion is a specific type of shoulder injury that occurs when the labrum of the shoulder joint is torn. A Bankart lesion is very common with shoulder dislocations, and often contributes to shoulder instability. Due to the tear of the labrum from the dislocation of the humeral head a gap is created that leaves space allowing easier future dislocations.
Cause of a Bankart lesion
A Bankart lesion is very common when an individual sustains a shoulder dislocation. As the shoulder pops out of joint, it often tears the labrum. The tear is to the inferior glenohumeral ligament which is part of the labrum. When the inferior glenohumeral ligament is torn, this is called a Bankart lesion.
Symptoms of a Bankart lesion
A Bankart lesion forms after a shoulder dislocation. After reduction and swelling from the dislocations a patient may have a feeling that the joint feels unstable, additional dislocations may occur with less force, there may be a catching sensation in the shoulder, and the shoulder may feel like it may dislocate again. These sensations and experience are symptoms that a Bankart lesion may have formed and should be evaluated by a orthopedic surgeon.
Arthroscopic Bankart Repair for Bankart lesion
This arthroscopic procedure is used to repair a detached labrum. The labrum is a thick band of cartilage attached to the glenoid bone. It lines the shoulder socket and helps keep the ball of the humerus in place. In this procedure, the surgeon will reattach the labrum to the glenoid. While in the shoulder capsule to repair the Bankart lesion other tissues may be cleaned up and fixed at the surgeon’s discretion.
Recovery from an Arthroscopic Bankart repair
Immobilization of the shoulder joint will be required without the supervision of a physical therapist for a month. Physical therapy will begin after the first week to begin maintaining and working on the range of motion of the joint. Physical therapy will continue throughout the next few months to prevent the shoulder from freezing, maximizing the range of motion, and returning the strength of the arm and shoulder to their full potential. Full recovery and return to sports in considered based on the progress of the patient around month six.
