Anatomy of the Shoulder
The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint, where the ball at the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into a socket called the glenoid, which is part of the shoulder blade (scapula). Surrounding the glenoid is a ring of fibrous cartilage called the labrum, which helps stabilize the shoulder joint. A Bankart tear specifically refers to an injury to the lower part of the labrum, known as the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex, often resulting from a dislocation of the shoulder.
Cause for Shoulder Bankart Labral Tear
A Bankart tear occurs when the shoulder is forcefully dislocated, commonly during contact sports, falls, or accidents. When the humeral head is pushed out of the socket, it can damage the lower portion of the labrum, leading to instability. Recurrent dislocations are common with this type of injury.
Symptoms of Shoulder Bankart Labral Tear
A Bankart lesion can cause symptoms such as:
- Shoulder pain, especially with overhead movements
- Feeling of instability or looseness in the shoulder
- Clicking, popping, or catching sensation
- Limited range of motion and weakness
- Frequent shoulder dislocations
Treatments for Shoulder Bankart Labral Tear
Initial treatment may include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
- Physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve stability
If non-surgical treatments do not provide relief, arthroscopic Bankart repair may be recommended. During this procedure, the torn labrum is reattached to the socket using sutures or anchors to restore stability to the joint.
Postoperative Care for Bankart Labral Tear
After surgery, a shoulder sling is typically worn for 3-4 weeks to protect the repair. Once the sling is removed, rehabilitation exercises are introduced to restore range of motion and strengthen the shoulder. Full recovery may take several months, and a structured rehab program is essential to reduce the risk of future dislocations.
