Bankart repair is a surgical procedure that is done to correct shoulder instability especially recurrent shoulder dislocations. This instability is usually due to a Bankart lesion, which is a tear of the labrum, a ring of cartilage that surrounds the glenoid socket. The goal of the procedure is to sew the torn labrum back to the glenoid and achieve stability of the shoulder joint.

Indications for Bankart Repair

Bankart repair is typically recommended for individuals who have:Bankart repair is typically recommended for individuals who have:

·        Recurrent shoulder dislocations

·        Failure to achieve stable shoulder joint even with non-surgical measures including physiotherapy.

·        A clinically suspected Bankart lesion supported by imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans.

Procedure Overview

This procedure may be carried out as an open or arthroscopic procedure, with the latter being more popular owing to the fact that it is less invasive.

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair:

1.      Preparation: The patient is then subjected to general anaesthesia. The shoulder is evaluated to determine the degree of instability.

2.      Incision and Access: Tiny cuts are made in the skin to allow the insertion of the arthroscope and other surgical instruments.

3.      Viewing the Joint: The arthroscope, which has a camera inserted within it, gives a clear image of the shoulder joint on the monitor.

4.      Debridement: Any debris and necrotic tissue is removed.

5.      Reattachment: Sutures are used to fix the anchors in the glenoid. These sutures are then used to reattach the labrum to the bone.

6.      Closure: The cuts are then stitched or stapled and a surgical dressing is placed over the area.

Open Bankart Repair:

1.      Preparation: Like the arthroscopic procedure, it is done with general anesthesia.

2.      Incision: A larger incision is made over the shoulder to expose the joint directly.

3.      Reattachment: The labrum is sutured back to the glenoid using anchors and sutures, which is similar to the arthroscopic technique but with better visualization.

4.      Closure: The surgical wound is then closed using sutures and a sterile dressing is placed over the incision.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

It is essential to take care of the patient after the surgery to ensure they recover well. It typically involves:

·        Immobilization: The shoulder is often kept still in a sling for a few weeks to let the initial healing process to take place.

·        Physical Therapy: This is why a structured rehabilitation program is necessary. It usually involves the use of passive range of motion exercises followed by active exercises and then strengthening exercises.

·        Activity Restrictions: It is recommended that the patient should not lift heavy objects, engage in activities that require use of arms overhead and contact sports for several months in order to prevent further injury.

Risks and Complications

While Bankart repair is generally successful, there are potential risks and complications, including:While Bankart repair is generally successful, there are potential risks and complications, including:

·        Infection

·        Nerve injury

·        Pain and/or inflammation

·        Shoulder instability recurrence

·        Malfunction of the repair

Outcomes

The majority of the patients benefit from the procedure and achieve improved shoulder stability and a decrease in the frequency of dislocations. The outcomes are generally good, particularly with arthroscopic approaches, but the rate depends on compliance with postoperative physiotherapy and the avoidance of certain activities during the recovery period.

Bankart repair is an effective surgical intervention for shoulder instability and has a high success rate of allowing patients to return to their prior level of functioning with a stable shoulder joint.

Top Arthroscopic shoulder surgeon, Dr. S. K. Gupta

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Dr. S. K. Gupta is a leading arthroscopic shoulder and sports injury specialist practising in Bhopal, India. He is renowned for his knowledge in arthroscopic surgeries of the shoulder and knee joints. Dr. Gupta is also the head of the arthroscopy and joint reconstruction department at Galaxy Hospital, Bhopal, a consultant for sports medicine, and a consultant for national level sports teams.

Holding an MBBS degree from Pt. Graduated from Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Medical College and an MS in Orthopaedics from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College in Mumbai, Dr. Gupta has more than twenty years of experience in the field. He has been awarded several times, he won the Best Doctor Award by Apollo in 2006 and a Bronze Medal for Sports Injury Specialist at Hockey Championship in Argentina in 2013.

Dr. Gupta is a practicing physician at Galaxy Hospital, which is known for its exceptional knee and shoulder surgeries. His patients have often praised him for the clear explanations he gives, the efficient treatments he provides, and his friendly attitude towards them.

For more information or to book an appointment, one can visit the Galaxy Hospital’s website or call them directly.