Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine  
  Home   |   Site Map   |   Contact Us   |   Links   |   News  
Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine  
Advanced Search
Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
HomeSummaryOverview Review of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationConclusion

Print Print Complete Article
View article with questions View article with questions



Click here to request a referral online.

Bankart repair for unstable dislocating shoulders: Surgery to anatomically and securely repair the torn anterior glenoid labrum and capsule without arthroscopy can lessen pain and improve function for active individuals.

Edited By: Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D., Winston J. Warme, MD
Last updated Friday, October 16, 2009

*We are working to keep you fit for life. Click here to find out more*
Next Page >>

Figure 1 - Shoulder dislocation – the humeral head is held in the glenoid socket by compression from the rotator cuff
Figure 1 - Shoulder dislocation – the humeral head is held in the glenoid socket by compression from the rotator cuff

Shoulder dislocation – A-P and Axillary x-ray views
Shoulder dislocation – A-P and Axillary x-ray views

Shoulder dislocation – apical oblique x-ray view
Shoulder dislocation – apical oblique x-ray view

Shoulder dislocation – apical oblique view showing a Hill Sachs defect of the humeral head and a defect of the anterior inferior rim of the glenoid
Shoulder dislocation – apical oblique view showing a Hill Sachs defect of the humeral head and a defect of the anterior inferior rim of the glenoid

Shoulder dislocation – Bankart lesion with repair sutures placed through the bone edge
Shoulder dislocation – Bankart lesion with repair sutures placed through the bone edge

Shoulder dislocation - Failed arthroscopic Bankart repair
Shoulder dislocation - Failed arthroscopic Bankart repair

Shoulder dislocation – fracture of the anterior inferior glenoid lip
Shoulder dislocation – fracture of the anterior inferior glenoid lip

Shoulder dislocation – bone graft held in place with screws to replace the anterior – inferior glenoid bony defect
Shoulder dislocation – bone graft held in place with screws to replace the anterior – inferior glenoid bony defect

Shoulder dislocation – bone block secured in place to replace glenoid bony defect
Shoulder dislocation – bone block secured in place to replace glenoid bony defect

Summary

Overview

The normal shoulder is a marvel of mobility and stability. It provides more motion than any other joint in the human body, yet the humeral head (ball of the shoulder joint) remains precisely centered in the glenoid (the socket of the joint) throughout the wide range of shoulder activities. One of the main stabilizing mechanisms is concavity compression, in which the head of the humerus is held into the glenoid concavity by the action of the rotator cuff (much like a golf ball is held into the concavity of a golf tee).

The figure shows the humeral head, the glenoid, and one of the muscles of the rotator cuff. The concavity of the shoulder socket is deepened by a fibrous ring, known as the glenoid labrum (see movie 1). The glenoid labrum greatly increases the stability of the shoulder (see movies 2 and 3). Another stabilizing mechanism is ligament restraint in which the motion of the shoulder is kept within the proper range by ligaments that span the joint (see movie 4).

The glenoid labrum and the ligaments can be torn when the arm is forced backwards, allowing the humeral head to dislocate from the glenoid. If the labrum and the ligaments do not heal, the shoulder may continue to be unstable, allowing the ball to slip from the center of the glenoid, even with minimal force.

When recurrent shoulder dislocations or feeling of instability interfere with the comfort and security of the shoulder, a repair of the ligaments and labrum by an experienced shoulder surgeon can usually restore the stability of the joint.

QuickTime movies


The patient with an unstable shoulder requires a thorough history and physical examination along with proper x-rays.

The most common form of ligament injury is the Bankart lesion, in which the ligaments are torn from the front of the socket. A solid surgical repair requires that the torn tissue be sewn back to the rim of the socket. Failure to secure this lesion solidly can result in failure of the repair.

If the glenoid bone is deficient, the shoulder may benefit from a surgery to restore the lost bony anatomy.

10 surgery questions for your surgeon before having surgery

Surgery for shoulder dislocations at the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure in Seattle, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-BONE (2663) to make an appointment. Our clinical center is located in Seattle Washington, USA


Next Page >>


How useful was this page or article?

This article is rated **** out of 5 stars (665 ratings).

Not useful at all Not very useful Useful Very useful Extremely useful
* ** *** **** *****
Team Physicians to the UW Huskies Varsity Athletes...And You!
Copyrights and disclaimer  | Privacy statement | Editorial policy
Problems or questions? Contact the webmaster.
Copyright © 2009 University of Washington - Seattle, WA. All rights reserved.