Shoulder instability and recurrent dislocation
Bankart repair, posterior Bankart repair and arthroscopic capsuloplasty for a shoulder that keeps dislocating.
- What it is
- After a dislocation, the labrum and the ligaments that hold the humeral head can be damaged. When the shoulder dislocates again, or the patient feels it might, we call it instability. It can be anterior, posterior or multidirectional.
- When it is indicated
- Surgery is considered in young patients or athletes with repeated dislocations, in injuries with bone loss and when instability limits sport or work. A first episode can be treated without surgery with proper immobilisation.
- How it is performed
- The labrum and capsule are reattached with anchors arthroscopically (anterior or posterior Bankart repair). In multidirectional instability a capsular plication is performed. When bone loss is significant, bone-augmentation techniques are considered.
- Recovery
- Initial immobilisation, progressive recovery of motion and strengthening. Return to contact sports usually takes several months and is decided on functional criteria.
- Procedures the doctor performs
- Bankart repair: capsulolabral reattachment with anchors
- Posterior Bankart repair and posterior instability
- Arthroscopic capsuloplasty: anterior, posterior or multidirectional plication
- Bone-augmentation techniques when there is bone loss
Other procedures
- Rotator cuff repair
- SLAP tears and biceps pathology
- Acromioclavicular joint injuries
- Shoulder stiffness and adhesive capsulitis
- Shoulder cartilage and arthritis
- Complex rotator cuff reconstructions
- Shoulder arthroscopy
This content is general information. It does not replace a medical assessment: every case is evaluated in consultation with physical examination and imaging.