Arthroscopic Bankart Repair | Shoulder Joint Repair | MedStar Health

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If your shoulder dislocates often and does not respond to medication and physical therapy, you may need shoulder surgery to restore stability in your shoulder and arm. Arthroscopic bankart repair is a type of shoulder surgery that repairs the ligaments and cartilage in the front of your shoulder to help secure the ball into the socket of the shoulder joint.

Advanced surgical techniques

Advanced surgical techniques we offer to stabilize the shoulder joint include:

  • Arthroscopic Bankart Repair :This procedure accesses the front of your shoulder by inserting a thin, flexible tube called an arthroscope through a small incision. The arthroscope uses a tiny camera to project a picture of your affected area onto a screen for your orthopedic surgeon to see. Your orthopedic surgeon will then insert specialized instruments into the arthroscope to repair the shoulder damaged tissue that helps hold your shoulder in place. This procedure offers less pain, a faster recovery, and a shorter rehabilitation period than traditional surgical options.

  • Open Bankart Repair : In this procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will use an incision in the front of your shoulder to repair damaged ligaments and cartilage. We often use this method for patients who have had unsuccessful shoulder surgery previously.

  • Coracoid Transfer : In this procedure, also known as a Latarjet procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will transfer a piece of bone from the front of the shoulder blade to the front of the shoulder socket to help stabilize the shoulder. This method is ideally suited for patients who are missing bone on the front of their socket or who have had previous unsuccessful shoulder surgery. Read more about Coracoid Transfers.

We perform these techniques to treat conditions including:

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery – our approach

Our orthopedic surgeons are known around the country for their expertise, and often teach other surgeons how to perform complex procedures. Everyone on our team has fellowship training in surgery and focuses exclusively on shoulder repair.

In particular, we have extensive experience in performing arthroscopic Bankart repair. We also specialize in revising previously unsuccessful procedures using open Bankart repair. No matter where you had your original surgery, we can improve your outcome if you are currently having difficulty.

Whenever you visit us, we will sit down with you and your family to listen and respond to all of your concerns and questions, and offer you a range of the most advanced and effective treatment options. Together we will choose an effective treatment plan and develop a post-surgery rehabilitation plan that helps you regain strength and function in your shoulder.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery recovery

After arthroscopic Bankart repair, you will generally wear your arm in a sling for about a month. You will also have physical therapy treatment from anywhere from 1 to 4 months following surgery to regain strength and range of motion in your arm.  Typically, we will advise you to avoid contact sports for about 6 months after surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss any further recovery details with you before your procedure. 

What are the benefits?

Our goal is for you to experience the following benefits after surgery:

  • Shoulder pain relief
  • Restored range of motion in the shoulder
  • Improved shoulder strength and balance
  • Improved shoulder stability
  • Ability to return to normal activities

Our providers

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Shoulder and Elbow Orthopedic Surgery

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Orthopedic Sports Medicine

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Orthopedic Surgery

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