Shoulder · Instability & dislocation
Arthroscopic Bankart / labral repair
Shoulder Instability and Labral (Bankart) Tear — Arthroscopic Labral Repair
The condition
The shoulder socket is shallow and is deepened by the labrum—a rim of cartilage where the stabilizing ligaments attach. When the shoulder dislocates, the labrum often tears away from the front of the socket (a Bankart tear). The shoulder may then slip or dislocate again, with pain and a feeling of looseness.
The surgery
Arthroscopic stabilization is a minimally invasive, typically outpatient surgery done through small incisions with a camera and small instruments. The torn labrum and ligaments are reattached to the rim of the socket with small anchors and sutures. Depending on what is found, a dent in the ball may also be filled with nearby tendon (remplissage). The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Sling
- Typically 4–6 weeks; the exact length is set by your surgeon. Your therapist gently moves the shoulder for you during this time.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 1–2 weeks. No lifting or reaching with the surgical arm for 6 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Lifting & overhead
- Moving the arm on its own returns between 6 and 12 weeks, with full motion expected by 12 weeks. Weight training typically begins at 12–16 weeks.
- Sports
- Non-contact sports no sooner than 4 months; contact and collision sports ~6 months, after strength and functional testing. Throwers often take longer.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients regain a stable shoulder and return to sports and activity. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, the shoulder becoming unstable or dislocating again, loss of some outward rotation, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
Open, save or print. Bring your questions to your pre-op visit.
Before & after every surgery