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 Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Figure 1 - Shoulder bones and muscles, showing the humeral head, the glenoid, and part of the rotator cuff SummaryOverview Tears of the stabilizing ligaments and labrum of the shoulder can
lead to recurrent instability. These injuries can usually be repaired.
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
Surgery for shoulder dislocations at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-7416 to make an appointment.
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