Labral (Bankart Repair)
Shoulder Surgery - Adelaide Orthopaedic Specialist
Surgical intervention - via an arthroscopic, minimally invasive procedure performed by Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell - can repair Bankart or labral tears.
What is a Bankart lesion?
A Bankart lesion, a form of labral tear, happens in the front/lower labrum (the cartilage ring encasing the shoulder socket). If this injury is not repaired, pain and further dislocation will likely be experienced by the individual.
What causes Bankart lesions?
Anterior shoulder dislocations (where the shoulder is pushed out of its correct position backwards) often cause Bankart lesions. Due to the commonality of anterior shoulder dislocations, Bankart lesions are quite prevalent.
This shoulder dislocation type is caused by trauma that pushes the shoulder in a backwards direction, such as sporting injuries or car accidents. Falling on an outstretched arm also causes this dislocation. If an individual overuses their shoulder, ligaments in the joint may be weakened, increasing risks of dislocation and instability.
Treatment for Bankart lesions
Often, Bankart lesions heal independently; however, without intervention, many heal in the incorrect position. Surgery may be required to attach the shoulder socket and torn labrum. This is especially the case for young patients with a desire to continue leading an active lifestyle.
Conservative management
Conservative management may be implemented to heal Bankart lesions. This emphasises strengthening joint stabilisers through exercises and physiotherapy to reduce the risk of further injury.
After joint relocation and numerous weeks of immobilisation, specialised movements will be advised to strengthen shoulder muscles. Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell can recommend non-surgical healing methods and refer you to proficient physiotherapists for quality, ongoing care.
Surgical repair - arthroscopic Bankart lesion repair
Shoulder arthroscopy is the leading method for Bankart tear repairment.
This arthroscopic surgery is conducted under general anaesthetic. Before correcting the shoulder, Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell makes a little incision and inserts a small camera into the joint for full, accurate inspection.
Dr Brumby-Rendell then repairs the shoulder at the injury site by inserting specialised, small instruments. Tissue damage is removed, and tiny sutures are used to repair tears in the cartilage.
Then, the instruments are removed, the incisions closed, and the wounds dressed.
Recovery from arthroscopic Bankart lesion repair
Post-surgery, you will generally wear a sling for 4-6 weeks to minimise healing complications.
After this period, Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell will advise if you are able to resume everyday activities.
Your recovery journey will be unique, as it depends on your individual needs and health. An individualised rehabilitation plan will be prescribed by Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell to increase shoulder strength and motion abilities after your surgery.
More post-operative information
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