Understanding Bankart Lesions: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Precision Orthopaedic Specialties is committed to providing comprehensive orthopaedic care for a range of shoulder conditions, including Bankart lesions. These injuries, often associated with shoulder dislocations, can significantly impact shoulder stability and function. This blog aims to shed light on Bankart lesions, exploring their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What is a Bankart Lesion?

A Bankart lesion is a specific type of injury to the shoulder joint involving a tear or detachment of the labrum, a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket (glenoid). This injury typically occurs as a result of a traumatic shoulder dislocation or subluxation, where the humeral head (upper arm bone) partially or completely comes out of the socket, causing damage to the surrounding soft tissues.

Causes

Bankart lesions are commonly caused by acute shoulder trauma, such as:

Shoulder Dislocation: A sudden, forceful arm movement, often during sports activities or accidents, can cause the humeral head to dislocate from the glenoid, leading to labral tears.
Repetitive Overhead Movements: Athletes or individuals engaged in repetitive overhead motions, such as throwing or swimming, may be at increased risk of developing Bankart lesions due to repetitive stress on the shoulder joint.
Degenerative Changes: Chronic wear and tear or degenerative changes in the shoulder joint can weaken the labrum over time, making it more susceptible to injury during everyday activities.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a Bankart lesion may vary depending on the severity of the injury but commonly include:

Shoulder Pain: Persistent pain in the front of the shoulder, particularly with movement or overhead activities.
Shoulder Instability: Sensation of the shoulder “slipping” or feeling loose, especially during specific movements or positions.
Decreased Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the shoulder through its full range of motion, particularly in abduction and external rotation.
Catching or Popping Sensation: Some individuals may experience a catching or popping sensation in the shoulder joint, particularly with specific movements.

Treatment Options

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:

Conservative Management: 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.
Shoulder Stabilization Surgery: For patients with recurrent shoulder instability or severe Bankart lesions, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the torn labrum and restore shoulder stability. Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization procedures, such as Bankart repair or capsulolabral reconstruction, are minimally invasive techniques that can effectively address the underlying pathology while minimizing tissue trauma and accelerating recovery.

Bankart lesions can significantly impact shoulder function and quality of life, particularly in individuals who are active or participate in sports. If you are experiencing symptoms of shoulder instability or have sustained a shoulder injury, it is essential to seek prompt evaluation and treatment from a qualified orthopaedic specialist.

At Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, our team of experienced orthopaedic surgeons is dedicated to providing personalized care and innovative treatment solutions to help you regain shoulder stability and function. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward recovery.