Bankart Repair Arthro

Following an arthroscopic Bankart repair you will have dressings over the small arthroscopic surgical incisions.

These remain for 10-14 days after surgery. Drains are not used. Antibiotics are typically given in the immediate post surgical period.

The arm is kept in a sling or brace depending on the specifics of the surgery. This is normally worn for six weeks. You are allowed to take the sling off in a safe environment and do simple exercises as per your doctor and physiotherapist. Pain is usually well controlled and medication to control pain is taken as needed.

Rehabilitation is carried out under the supervision of your doctor and physiotherapist. The rehabilitation is often tailored to the specifics of your surgical procedure. In general you protect the repair by avoiding specific movements and progress over the course of your rehabilitation to regain normal range and then strength in the shoulder. It is necessary to avoid certain movements in the initial period as the repair positions the labrum to heal to the bone and this takes time.

Complications are rare and most patients have good outcomes from surgery. Arthroscopic Bankart repair is typically done to prevent further shoulder dislocation. The risk of another shoulder dislocation after surgery depends on several factors relating to you, the extent of the damage to your shoulder and the sport you are returning too. Overall recurrence rates are approximately 10-15%.