A Bankart lesion is a specific type of shoulder injury involving damage to the labrum—the ring of cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder joint. It can lead to ongoing pain, instability, and reduced function if left untreated. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is key to restoring shoulder strength and preventing future injury.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or instability, the specialists at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties are here to help. With convenient locations in Chardon, Chagrin Falls, and Middlefield, OH, our team provides expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to get you back to doing what you love. Contact us today.
A Bankart Lesion (or Bankart Tear) affects the ball and socket joint of the shoulder where the humeral head (the end of the upper arm bone) meets the glenoid bone (part of the shoulder blade). The glenoid has a rim of cartilage around it called the labrum, which provides extra stability to the joint and attachment points for several ligaments.
A Bankart lesion refers to a glenoid labrum tear, affecting the anterior glenoid labrum (front part). If a tiny piece of bone detaches from the shoulder socket along with the labrum, it is called a bony Bankart lesion.
Bankart lesions are commonly caused by a shoulder injury, such as:
The symptoms of a Bankart lesion may vary depending on the severity of the injury, but commonly include the following:
Your doctor will want to know how the injury occurred, whether it was a sudden injury or developed over time. They will also perform a physical examination to test strength, range of motion, and stability.
Imaging testing may be ordered, such as X-rays to check the shoulder bones or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify damage to bones and soft tissue structures.
Treatment for Bankart lesions may vary depending on the severity of the injury, the patient’s age, activity level, and other factors. Standard treatment options include non-surgical and surgical treatment.
In cases of mild Bankart lesions or patients not candidates for surgery, the physician may recommend conservative treatments such as rest, activity modification, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate symptoms and improve shoulder function.
For patients with chronic shoulder instability or severe Bankart lesions, surgery may be necessary to repair the torn labrum and restore shoulder stability. Your doctor will decide whether open surgery or arthroscopic surgery will be necessary.
Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization procedures, such as arthroscopic Bankart repair or capsulolabral reconstruction, are minimally invasive surgical procedures that can effectively address the underlying pathology while minimizing tissue trauma and accelerating recovery.
Your surgeon may also repair loose ligaments and other acute injuries at the same time of the surgery if necessary.
If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, weakness, or a feeling of instability, don’t wait to seek expert care. Our team at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties offers comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment options across our three convenient locations in Chardon, Chagrin Falls, and Middlefield, OH. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step toward lasting relief and a full return to your active lifestyle.
A Bankart lesion is a tear of the labrum in the front part of the shoulder socket, often resulting from a shoulder dislocation or injury.
It is commonly caused by anterior shoulder dislocation, repetitive overhead movements (like throwing or swimming), or gradual wear and tear of the joint.
Typical symptoms include shoulder pain, a feeling of instability or looseness, reduced range of motion, weakness, and sometimes a popping or catching sensation.
Doctors diagnose it through a physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to assess damage to the labrum and surrounding structures.
Treatment options include non-surgical approaches like rest, physical therapy, and medications, or surgical repair for more severe or recurrent cases.
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