Return to your sport or active routine without constantly worrying about your shoulder giving way. For recurrent instability and Bankart tears, Dr. Stephanie Buza offers advanced shoulder surgery and Bankart repair to restore stability and movement.
Stop Your Shoulder From Slipping Out
Bankart repair is a shoulder stabilization procedure used to treat a torn labrum caused by shoulder dislocation. A Bankart tear occurs when the labrum separates from the front-lower edge of your shoulder socket. During repair, the damaged labrum and supporting tissues are secured to the socket using sutures and small anchors. This restores tension to the structures that stabilize your shoulder, helping reduce the risk of it slipping or dislocating again.
Bankart Repair Treats:
- Bankart lesions caused by shoulder dislocation
- Recurrent shoulder dislocations
- Anterior shoulder instability
- A shoulder that repeatedly slips or gives way
- Labral damage at the front-lower shoulder socket
- Persistent instability after an initial dislocation
- Instability during throwing, lifting, or overhead movement
- Shoulder instability that interferes with sports, dance, training, or everyday activities
Your Bankart Repair Procedure
Bankart repair is typically performed arthroscopically through several small incisions called portals. Dr. Buza inserts an arthroscope (a thin camera) into your shoulder to examine the labrum, socket, and the surrounding structures. She then identifies where the labrum has detached from the front-lower rim of the glenoid, the shallow shoulder socket.
Dr. Buza then prepares the edge of the glenoid to create a surface where the labrum can heal. Small suture anchors are placed into the bone, and the attached sutures are passed through the torn labrum and the supporting capsule. By securing these tissues back to the socket, the repair restores tension to the structures that stabilize your shoulder. The instruments are then removed, the incisions are closed, and your shoulder is protected during early healing.
Benefits of Bankart Repair:
- Greater shoulder stability after recurrent dislocations
- Lower risk of repeated slipping or giving way
- Restoration of the damaged labrum and supporting capsule
- Improved confidence during overhead and athletic movements
- Minimal disruption to surrounding shoulder tissues
- Preservation of your natural shoulder joint
- Improved function for throwing, lifting, sports, and everyday activities
Return to Activity After Bankart Repair
Your shoulder needs time to heal before you put the repaired labrum under significant stress. You’ll typically wear a sling for about 4 to 6 weeks, with physical therapy beginning during this period using protected, controlled motion. Lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching forcefully overhead, and supporting your body weight with the operated arm are restricted early to protect the repair.
After around 6 to 12 weeks, therapy progressively adds strengthening for your rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles. More demanding training follows in about 3 to 4 months as your strength and stability improve. A return to unrestricted sports often takes approximately 4 to 6 months, depending on your progress. Dr. Buza will guide your return based on healing, strength, motion, and shoulder stability.
Does Every Shoulder Dislocation Require Surgery?
No. A first-time dislocation does not automatically mean you need surgery. Treatment depends on factors like the damage inside your shoulder, whether instability continues, and the activities you want to return to. Dr. Buza considers your individual circumstances and may recommend non-operative treatment when appropriate rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Your Comeback Story Starts Here.
Schedule Your Consultation for Bankart Repair in NYC
Dr. Stephanie Buza is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine and shoulder surgery at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). She offers individualized shoulder care focused on restoring stability and helping athletes and active people return to the activities they love. Schedule your consultation for Bankart repair in New York City today.
