What is Bankart Repair Surgery?
Bankart Repair Surgery is a specialized procedure designed to address shoulder instability caused by recurrent dislocations. Named after the orthopedic surgeon who first described the technique, this surgery focuses on repairing a specific type of shoulder injury known as a Bankart lesion. The lesion involves damage to the labrum, a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, which can lead to chronic instability.
The surgery aims to repair the damaged labrum and stabilize the shoulder joint to prevent recurrent dislocations and improve function.It restores the shoulder’s stability, enabling a return to normal activities and reducing pain and discomfort.
Symptoms of Bankart Lesion
A Bankart lesion typically leads to symptoms of shoulder instability and dysfunction. Common symptoms include:
- Recurrent Shoulder Dislocations: Frequent or repeated dislocations of the shoulder, often occurring during physical activity or trauma.
- Shoulder Pain: Persistent pain in the shoulder, which may be sharp or aching.
- Shoulder Weakness: Weakness in the shoulder, making it difficult to perform everyday activities or lift objects.
- Instability Sensation: A feeling of the shoulder “slipping” or “giving way,” especially with overhead movements or when carrying heavy loads.
- Reduced Range of Motion: Limited ability to move the shoulder fully, often accompanied by stiffness.
Primary cause of shoulder pain
The shoulder primarily contains three bones, namely,
- The clavicle or collarbone
- The scapula or the shoulder blade
- The humerus or the upper arm bone
The shoulder joint is cushioned by articular cartilages, soft tissues, rotator cuff and labrum. Disruption, damage or tear in any of the above including muscle or cartilage wear and tear caused due to old age may be the primary cause of pain. During arthroscopic surgery, doctors insert a small device attached to a camera into the shoulder to determine the exact cause of pain.
Understanding Bankart Repair Surgery
Purpose
- Address Shoulder Instability: Repair the damaged labrum and stabilize the shoulder joint to prevent recurrent dislocations and alleviate associated symptoms.
- Restore Function: Enhance shoulder function and allow patients to return to their normal activities with reduced pain and improved stability.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Consultation
- Medical Evaluation: Undergo a comprehensive evaluation including a physical examination and imaging studies (such as MRI or X-rays) to diagnose the extent of the Bankart lesion and assess shoulder stability.
- Procedure Discussion: Review the benefits, risks, and alternative treatments with your orthopedic surgeon to determine if Bankart Repair Surgery is appropriate for your condition.
Preoperative Instructions
- Fasting: Adhere to fasting guidelines or dietary restrictions as advised before the surgery.
- Personal Preparation: Make arrangements for someone to drive you home post-surgery and prepare your home for a comfortable recovery
The Bankart Repair Surgery Procedure
General Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you are fully unconscious and comfortable throughout the surgery.
Procedure Steps
- Incision and Arthroscopy: The surgeon makes several small incisions around the shoulder. An arthroscope (a thin instrument with a camera) is inserted through one of the incisions to visualize the interior of the shoulder joint.
- Assessment and Cleaning: The surgeon examines the labrum and surrounding structures, identifying and cleaning any damaged tissue.
- Labrum Repair: The torn labrum (Bankart lesion) is reattached to the shoulder socket using small anchors that hold it in place while it heals.
- Closure of Incisions: Once the repair is complete, the incisions are closed with stitches or adhesive strips.
Post-Surgery Care
- Recovery Room: Post-surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area until the effects of anesthesia wear off and you are stable.
- Pain Management: Instructions for managing discomfort will be provided, typically involving immobilization of the shoulder in a sling and use of ice packs.
Benefits of Bankart Repair Surgery
- Enhanced Stability: Improves shoulder stability, reducing the likelihood of future dislocations.
- Functional Improvement: Restores shoulder function, allowing a return to normal activities and sports.
- Pain Reduction: Effective repair of the labrum can lead to a significant decrease in shoulder pain and discomfort.
Potential Risks and Considerations
- Infection: Risk of infection at the incision sites, though rare.
- Recurrent Instability: Some patients may experience continued shoulder instability or dislocations.
- Limited Range of Motion: Temporary stiffness or limited range of motion, which generally improves with rehabilitation.
Points to keep in mind
- Please wear your sling for at least 3-6 weeks from the date of your surgery and only remove the sling on your doctor’s approval.
- You should routinely remove the sling for time to time at least thrice each day to stretch or straighten the elbow. This is important to avoid stiffness or joint lock.
- Do not apply ointments, creams or wet tissue/ dressing on the wound unless advised otherwise by their doctors.
- You should ask your doctor for approval before showering post-operation and even when you do, you should strictly avoid scrubbing or spraying the wound area. Gently pat it dry, preferably with an antiseptic cotton pad and air-dry it before putting the wound dressing back on.
- You should strictly avoid any form of heavy physical work, especially something that has to do with elbows, arms or lifting for at least 4-6 months from your operation.
- Ask your doctor or healthcare professional for a detailed diet list including restrictions such as no smoking or no alcohol clearly mentioned and then strictly abide by it.
FAQs
What is a Bankart tear?
Shoulder dislocation may cause a tear in the shoulder cartilage which is commonly known as the labrum. This tear in the labrum is commonly known as Bankart tear and can be fixed through the Bankart Repair surgery.
How long do I have to wait to return to work after surgery?
Returning to work after surgery depends on a lot of variable factors like the type of job you do, the amount of physical exertion you might face at the job, your body’s reaction and recovery rate and more. Doctors usually advise taking 2 weeks off work if you have a job that requires no physical activity.
When can I begin physiotherapy?
You can start with your physiotherapy within a week or two of your surgery.
What happens if I’m not feeling well after surgery?
Call your surgeon or family doctor, if you’re experiencing any of the below-
- Increased pain and swelling
- Pussing or leaking from your wound
- High fever and constant nausea
- Inability to pass urine for more than 8-10 hours