Bankart (Labral) Repair
What Is a Bankart Repair?
A Bankart repair is an arthroscopic surgical procedure used to treat shoulder instability caused by a torn labrum at the front of the shoulder socket — an injury known as a Bankart lesion, which commonly occurs during a shoulder dislocation. The procedure reattaches the torn labrum and its associated ligaments back to the edge of the socket, restoring the “bumper” of cartilage that helps keep the ball of the shoulder centered in place.
When Is a Bankart Repair Needed?
A Bankart repair is generally recommended for patients who have:
- Recurrent shoulder dislocations or subluxations
- A first-time dislocation in a younger, active patient, given the higher risk of repeat instability in this group
- Imaging confirming a torn labrum at the front of the socket, consistent with a Bankart lesion
- A relatively normal amount of bone at the edge of the socket, since significant bone loss may instead point toward a different procedure, such as a Latarjet
How Is a Bankart Repair Performed?
Working arthroscopically through small incisions, the surgeon identifies the torn labrum, which has typically pulled away from the bony rim of the socket. Small suture anchors are placed along the edge of the socket, and sutures passed through these anchors are used to reattach the labrum and its associated capsule and ligaments back to their normal position on the bone. This recreates the deepened socket rim and re-tensions the ligaments that provide stability, helping prevent the ball from slipping out of the socket again.
Bankart Repair vs. Latarjet Procedure
Both procedures treat shoulder instability, but they address different underlying problems. A Bankart repair is well-suited to patients with a torn labrum and adequate bone stock along the socket rim, since it works by restoring the soft tissue that normally provides stability. When a patient has experienced repeated dislocations that have worn away a significant portion of the bony socket rim, a soft-tissue repair alone may not be reliable — in these cases, a Latarjet procedure, which transfers bone to rebuild the socket, is often a more appropriate choice.
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Recovery After Bankart Repair
- A sling is typically worn for the first several weeks to protect the repair while it heals
- Early motion is introduced gradually and carefully, avoiding positions that stress the repair (such as the arm rotated outward away from the body)
- Physical therapy progresses over several months, moving from gentle motion to strengthening
- Return to contact or overhead sports is generally not considered until around 4 to 6 months, once strength and stability have been confirmed
Get back to what moves you
Dr. Palsis specializes in the treatment of knee, shoulder, and sports injuries.