Bankart Repair Overview
When a shoulder dislocates, the proximal aspect of the arm (or humerus), slides forward, backward, inferior, or superior on the glenoid face, the opposite aspect of the joint. In order for the humerus to slide out of the joint, it must tear the surrounding gasket, or ligament labrum complex. The tear of the labrum is called a Bankart tear, after the surgeon who described it. Most of the time, in order to regain shoulder stability, the torn labrum must be sewn back to the bony attachment. 

Bankart Repair Surgical Technique
Fortunately, surgical repair of the Bankart lesion or tear of the labrum is done as an outpatient, arthroscopic procedure under a regional anesthetic block. Sutures are passed into the torn labrum and then anchored into the bone after the bone has been freshened-up to speed healing. 

Bankart Repair Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation program begins immediately on post-op day one with range of motion and strengthening exercises in a protected range of motion. Most athletes are able to return to full sports by three months after repair of the torn labrum. Read the Bankart Repair Rehabilitation Protocol here.