Capsulolabral Reconstruction – Bankart Repair

What is a Bankart lesion?

Some patients may experience an injury that causes a specific tear to the shoulder known as a Bankart lesion. This describes an injury in which the anterior capsulolabral tissue is torn away from the glenoid socket of the shoulder. Normally, the shoulder labrum functions to deepen the shoulder socket (glenoid) and decrease the likelihood of shoulder instability, or dislocations. Bankart lesions typically occur during a shoulder dislocation event. When an injury such as a Bankart lesion occurs, the stability of the shoulder is compromised, which results in an increased chance of near dislocations (called subluxation) or complete shoulder dislocations. Bankart lesions can be surgically repaired through a procedure called a capsulolabral repair, also known as a Bankart repair.

Who is most likely to have a Bankart tear or lesion?

Bankart lesions are one of the most common types of shoulder injuries, especially young athletes. Certain activities place individuals at a higher risk of suffering a Bankart lesion. Dr. Lamplot sees the most injuries from the following:

• Patients participating in contact or collision sports
• Car Accidents
• Sports injuries
• Falls onto an outstretched hand
• Overuse Injuries
• Individuals who have loose ligaments (loose jointed)

How is a Bankart lesion fixed?

A capsulolabral reconstruction, or Bankart Repair, must be performed in order to fix a Bankart lesion. The capsulolabral reconstruction will reattach the torn labrum and ligaments to the shoulder socket and restore stability. This procedure can be performed by either a minimally invasive arthroscopic technique or by open shoulder surgery. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic shoulder surgeon, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who need a capsulolabral reconstruction for shoulder instability.

How is a Bankart Repair or capsulolabral reconstruction done?

Dr. Lamplot most often performs a capsulolabral reconstruction using a minimally invasive arthroscopic technique. He will use a small specialized surgical camera to visualize the shoulder joint through a small incision. Dr. Lamplot will also make other small incisions to use specialized surgical tools to perform the capsulolabral repair. Special surgical anchor points will be created within the shoulder to allow Dr. Lamplot to reconnect the torn labrum and shoulder ligaments to their proper position, as well as tighten any ligaments that became loose or stretched out from injury. Occasionally, Dr. Lamplot may recommend that a patient undergo an open capsulolabral repair. Based on your activity level and severity of injury, he will determine and discuss with you the best technique to use in your case.

How long does it take to recover from a Bankart Repair or capsulolabral reconstruction?

Immediately following surgery, the patient will be required to wear an arm sling for approximately 4 weeks to prevent shoulder movement and allow the shoulder to heal. Dr. Lamplot may also recommend that ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID) are used to alleviate pain and swelling. The patient will then begin a physical therapy program to strengthen the shoulder and improve the joint’s range of motion. Patients can expect to return to light fitness activities and shoulder strengthening within approximately 10 to 12 weeks after surgery. A return to all athletic activities including full contact sports can be expected after approximately 6 months.

Bankart Tear Surgeon