Bankart Lesion

What is a Bankart lesion, and how is it treated?

Bankart Lesion

Shoulder injuries can be both painful and disruptive, especially when they involve instability of the shoulder joint. One common type of injury is the Bankart lesion, which occurs when the labrum is torn due to a shoulder dislocation.

At OrthoNeuro, our fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons provide advanced treatment options for shoulder injuries, including Bankart repair and other forms of shoulder surgery. With multiple locations across Columbus, OH, our team is here to help you get back to the activities you enjoy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

What Causes a Bankart Lesion/Tear?

A Bankart lesion usually occurs after a traumatic anterior instability event, most often following an anterior shoulder dislocation. When the humeral head slips out of the shoulder socket, it can tear the glenoid labrum, creating instability in the joint. In some cases, an anterior dislocation is accompanied by a Hill-Sachs lesion, a compression fracture on the humeral head, or even a bony Bankart lesion, where part of the glenoid bone is fractured.

These injuries are common in contact athletes (those who participate in contact sports), where repeated traumatic injury or impact can cause instability.

What Are the Symptoms of a Bankart Lesion?

Symptoms of a Bankart lesion often overlap with general signs of anterior shoulder instability. Common complaints include:

Repeated or recurrent instability in the same shoulder
Feeling like the shoulder may “slip out” during external rotation or overhead activities
Pain deep in the shoulder joint during activity
Limited range of motion or weakness in the rotator cuff muscles
Clicking, catching, or grinding sensations near the shoulder blade

When left untreated, these symptoms often worsen, leading to continued instability and a higher risk of future injury.

How is a Bankart Lesion Diagnosed?

A proper diagnosis starts with a thorough physical examination by an experienced shoulder surgeon. During the evaluation, your doctor will assess shoulder function, test stability with specific maneuvers, and ask about your history of shoulder injury or traumatic instability.

Imaging tests play a key role in confirming a Bankart lesion. MRI scans can reveal tears of the glenoid labrum or superior labrum, while CT scans may show bony Bankart fragments, Hill-Sachs defects, or glenoid bone loss. In some cases, diagnostic arthroscopy is used to confirm the extent of the injury before planning surgical treatment.

Can a Bankart Lesion Heal Without Surgery?

In some cases, non-surgical options like physical therapy and activity modification can help strengthen the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles to improve shoulder function. These approaches may benefit patients who experience only mild instability or are not involved in contact sports.

However, when a Bankart lesion is associated with traumatic instability, recurrent dislocation, or significant glenoid bone damage, conservative management is often not enough. Without surgical repair, patients risk continued instability and damage to the shoulder joint.

How Long Does Bankart Repair Take to Heal?

Bankart repair is most often performed as arthroscopic surgery, though some patients may require an open procedure, especially in cases of extensive bone loss or combined Bankart and Hill-Sachs injuries.

Recovery timelines vary, but general healing expectations include:

Immobilization: The arm is typically placed in a sling for several weeks to protect the repair.
Physical therapy: Guided rehabilitation begins early to restore motion and prevent stiffness, with gradual strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and stabilizing muscles.
Return to activity: Light activities resume around 3 months, while full return to sports may take 6–9 months, depending on the severity of the injury and the surgical technique used.

With proper rehabilitation and adherence to post-surgical protocols, most patients achieve significant improvements in stability and shoulder function.

Regain Stability and Strength with Expert Shoulder Care

A Bankart lesion is a serious shoulder injury that requires expert evaluation and treatment to prevent continued instability and protect long-term joint health. Whether you’ve suffered a traumatic injury, repeated shoulder dislocation, or ongoing instability, our team at OrthoNeuro can help.

Our specialists offer advanced surgical treatment options, including arthroscopic surgery and Bankart repair, to restore function and stability to your shoulder joint. Don’t let a Bankart lesion keep you sidelined. Contact OrthoNeuro today to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient Columbus, OH locations.

References

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/shoulder-labrum-tear

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/bankart-lesion-glenoid-labrum-tear

Shoulder Specialists

IF YOU HAVE SEVERE SHOULDER PAIN AND STIFFNESS THAT PREVENTS YOU FROM MOVING YOUR SHOULDER CORRECTLY, CALL ORTHONEURO IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC SHOULDER TREATMENTS.