Best Bankart Repair Surgery in Lucknow by Expert Arthroscopic Surgeon

Shoulder instability can turn simple tasks—lifting a bag, reaching overhead, or playing sports—into painful and unpredictable challenges. Bankart repair surgery offers a reliable, minimally invasive solution to stabilize the shoulder, preventing recurrent dislocations and restoring function. Dr. Saurabh Jain, a leading arthroscopic and sports injury surgeon, provides expert care tailored to individual needs, helping patients regain confidence in their daily activities. Whether you’re an athlete, office worker, or student, this procedure can help you return to a pain-free, active life.

What Is Bankart Repair Surgery?

Bankart repair surgery is a procedure to treat anterior shoulder instability, where the shoulder dislocates forward due to a tear in the labrum—the cartilage ring stabilizing the shoulder socket. Named after Dr. Arthur Bankart, this surgery reattaches the torn labrum to the glenoid (socket) using sutures or anchors, often performed through shoulder stabilization via arthroscopy. This minimally invasive surgery to stop the shoulder from slipping out uses small incisions and a camera-guided arthroscope, reducing recovery time and scarring compared to open surgery. The shoulder’s ball-and-socket joint depends on the labrum and surrounding ligaments for stability. A Bankart lesion occurs when the labrum tears during a dislocation, weakening the joint. The arthroscopic Bankart repair procedure restores stability, prevents further dislocations, and protects the joint from long-term damage. It is often combined with other stabilizing techniques when needed and is ideal for active individuals or those with recurrent dislocations, ensuring precision and durable shoulder health.

Causes and Symptoms of Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability occurs when the supporting structures of the shoulder joint—labrum, ligaments, or capsule—are damaged or stretched, leading to dislocations or subluxations (partial dislocations). This condition often arises from trauma, repetitive overhead motions, or congenital joint laxity. Athletes in high-impact or overhead sports such as basketball, swimming, or throwing are especially prone to these injuries, as are individuals performing repetitive tasks like lifting or typing. Symptoms vary depending on severity. Acute dislocations cause an immediate popping sensation, sharp pain, and visible deformity, often followed by weakness and immobility. Recurrent instability leads to discomfort, a feeling of looseness, or the shoulder slipping out during routine activities. Chronic cases may involve persistent pain, catching sensations, or reduced strength that interfere with daily life.

Common Causes

• Trauma: Falls or direct blows to the shoulder during sports or accidents.
• Repetitive Stress: Overhead motions in swimming, throwing, or lifting that strain the labrum.
• Joint Laxity: Congenital looseness that increases the risk of dislocations.

Recognizing Symptoms

• Dislocation Signs: Popping, severe pain, and inability to move the arm.
• Instability: A feeling of the shoulder slipping or feeling loose during movement.
• Chronic Issues: Persistent pain, weakness, or catching sensations.

Early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent recurrent instability and long-term shoulder joint damage.

Diagnosis of Shoulder Instability

Diagnosing shoulder instability involves a thorough clinical evaluation and imaging to confirm the extent of damage. The process begins with a detailed history, discussing the injury’s mechanism—such as a fall or repetitive strain. Physical exams, like the apprehension test or relocation test, assess stability by provoking a sense of dislocation. These tests are highly accurate when performed by skilled professionals.

Swelling or muscle spasms may obscure initial findings, so follow-up exams are sometimes needed. Accurate diagnosis distinguishes Bankart lesions from other shoulder issues like rotator cuff tears or impingement, ensuring the right treatment plan.

Physical Examination

Physical exams focus on stability and function. The apprehension test checks for instability by externally rotating the arm, while the relocation test confirms findings by stabilizing the joint. Palpation identifies tenderness, and range of motion tests reveal limitations. These non-invasive methods provide immediate insights into the injury’s severity.

Imaging Tests

• X-rays: Rule out fractures and dislocations.
• MRI: Gold standard for visualizing labral tears, with 90–95% accuracy.
• CT: Assesses bony damage in complex cases.
• Ultrasound: Evaluates soft tissue dynamically.

These tools guide whether non-surgical or surgical intervention is needed.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Instability

Treatment depends on the instability’s severity, patient age, and activity level. Non-surgical options suit mild cases or less active individuals, while shoulder stabilization surgery is recommended for recurrent dislocations or complete labral tears. The goal is to restore stability, prevent further dislocations, and maintain long-term shoulder health.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical approaches focus on rehabilitation to strengthen rotator cuff and scapular muscles, improving stability. Physical therapy includes exercises like shoulder shrugs and external rotations to enhance support. Sling immobilization for 2–4 weeks may be used post-dislocation to rest the joint. Activity modification avoids high-risk movements, reducing recurrence. This approach is effective for 30–50% of mild cases, particularly in older or less active patients. Therapy programs last 6–12 weeks, focusing on gradual strength building to compensate for labral damage.

Surgical Treatments

For recurrent dislocations or severe labral tears, Bankart repair surgery is the standard. This arthroscopic Bankart repair reattaches the torn labrum using suture anchors through small incisions. The keyhole repair of torn shoulder tissue addresses associated damage, like stretched ligaments, in one procedure. Surgical intervention is recommended for active patients or those with multiple dislocations to prevent chronic instability or arthritis.

The Bankart Repair Surgery Procedure

The procedure begins with pre-operative preparation to optimize outcomes. Patients undergo imaging and physical exams to plan the repair. Anesthesia (general or regional) is administered for comfort. During surgery, small incisions allow the arthroscope and instruments to access the joint. The torn labrum is reattached to the glenoid, and the capsule may be tightened in a shoulder tightening surgery to enhance stability. Post-operative care includes sling use and early mobilization to prevent stiffness. The keyhole shoulder stabilization procedure minimizes trauma, with most patients discharged the same day.

Pre-Operative Preparation

Preparation includes pre-op physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles, improving recovery. Patients are advised to optimize nutrition for healing, focusing on protein-rich diets. Medical history is reviewed to minimize risks, and anesthesia options are discussed to ensure comfort.

The Surgery Step by Step

• Anesthesia: General or regional for pain-free procedure.
• Arthroscopy: Small incisions for camera and instruments.
• Labral Repair: Torn labrum reattached with suture anchors.
• Capsular Adjustment: Tightening loose ligaments if needed.
• Closure: Incisions sutured, shoulder bandaged.

This arthroscopic capsulolabral repair ensures precision and minimal disruption.

Post-Operative Care

Immediate care focuses on swelling control with ice and elevation. A sling is worn for 4–6 weeks to protect the repair. Early physical therapy restores range of motion, with follow-ups to monitor healing. Patients are guided to avoid overhead activities initially to ensure graft stability.

Benefits of Bankart Repair Surgery

• Bankart repair surgery offers significant advantages. The minimally invasive surgery to stop shoulder from slipping out reduces pain, scarring, and infection risk, with patients often resuming light activities within weeks. Recovery takes 4-6 months, with 85-90% success in preventing dislocations. The procedure restores confidence for athletes returning to sports or workers lifting objects, preventing chronic issues like arthritis.
• The anterior labral repair customizes treatment to the patient’s injury, ensuring long-term joint health. Small incisions and advanced techniques make it ideal for active lifestyles, with minimal downtime compared to open surgery.

Recovery and Rehabilitation After Surgery

• Recovery is a phased process, starting with swelling reduction and pain control. A sling is used for 4-6 weeks, with gradual weight-bearing. Physical therapy begins early, focusing on passive motion to prevent stiffness, followed by strength and stability exercises. Full recovery takes 4-6 months, with return to high-impact activities at 6 months.
• Rehabilitation includes rotator cuff strengthening, balance training, and sport-specific drills for athletes. Consistency is crucial, with structured programs ensuring optimal outcomes. Patients are guided to avoid premature overhead movements to protect the repair.

Immediate Post-Surgery Phase

• The first 1-2 weeks focus on rest, ice, and elevation to manage swelling. A sling protects the shoulder, while gentle wrist and elbow exercises prevent stiffness. Pain is managed with prescribed methods, and wound care minimizes infection risk.

Physical Therapy and Rehab

• Therapy starts with passive motion, progressing to active exercises like shoulder rotations and resistance bands. Balance training enhances proprioception, and later phases include activity-specific drills. Programs are tailored to individual needs, ensuring steady progress.

Timeline for Return to Activities

• 1-2 Weeks: Reduced swelling, sling use, and gentle exercises.
• 4-6 Weeks: Improved range, active exercises begin.
• 3-6 Months: Full recovery, return to high-impact activities.

This timeline ensures safe progression.

Risks and Complications

• Risks include re-dislocation (5-10%), infection (1-2%), and stiffness if rehab is neglected. Nerve damage or anesthesia reactions are rare. Adhering to post-op protocols and choosing an experienced surgeon minimizes these risks.

Conclusion

• Bankart repair surgery is a transformative solution for shoulder instability, offering lasting stability through keyhole repair of torn shoulder tissue. This minimally invasive approach ensures faster recovery and minimal disruption, ideal for athletes, office workers, or students seeking to regain shoulder function. With expert care, patients can return to their active lives with confidence.

Dr. Saurabh Jain, Arthroscopic and Sports Injury Surgeon in Lucknow