Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation and Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in Dehradun, Uttarakhand
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which also makes it prone to slipping out of place. When the ball of the shoulder (humeral head) repeatedly comes out from the socket (glenoid), it is called recurrent shoulder dislocation or shoulder instability. This often happens in young, active people after one major dislocation that stretches or tears the supporting tissues.
At Hari Ram Kohli Memorial Hospital, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, we frequently see patients who feel anxious because their shoulder “pops out” again and again while playing sports, lifting, or even during sleep. Modern keyhole surgery called arthroscopic Bankart repair is an important treatment option for such patients.
What Is Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation?
After the first dislocation, the soft tissues that hold the shoulder in place can be damaged. The rim of cartilage around the socket (the labrum) and the ligaments in front of the joint may tear. When this labral tear occurs in the front–lower part of the socket, it is called a Bankart lesion.
If this Bankart lesion is not treated in suitable cases, the shoulder may:
- Slip out repeatedly during sports or overhead activities
- Feel loose or unstable when you raise your arm
- Dislocate with minor trauma, while turning in bed, or even while wearing clothes
- Cause pain, catching, or a sense of “giving way”
Causes and Risk Factors
Common causes of recurrent shoulder dislocation include:
- Previous traumatic dislocation (fall, sports injury, road-traffic accident)
- Contact or overhead sports such as kabaddi, volleyball, basketball, swimming, or weight training
- Generalized ligament laxity or naturally loose joints in some individuals
- Inadequate healing or incomplete rehabilitation after the first dislocation
Symptoms of Shoulder Instability
- Repeated episodes of the shoulder slipping out or feeling as if it will slip out
- Pain in the front or side of the shoulder, especially during overhead activities
- Weakness, loss of confidence, and fear of using the arm fully
- Clicking, catching, or locking sensations inside the joint
What Is a Bankart Repair?
A Bankart repair is a surgical procedure that aims to restore stability to the shoulder by reattaching the torn labrum and tightening the capsule in the front–lower part of the socket. When this is done through keyhole surgery using a camera and small instruments, it is called an arthroscopic Bankart repair.
In suitable cases, arthroscopic Bankart repair helps reduce the risk of further dislocations and allows patients to safely return to day-to-day activities and sports after rehabilitation.
How Arthroscopic Bankart Repair Is Done
Arthroscopic Bankart repair is usually performed under regional and/or general anaesthesia. Small keyhole cuts (portals) are made around the shoulder to insert a camera and fine instruments.
- Diagnostic arthroscopy: The surgeon first inspects the entire joint, confirms the Bankart lesion, and looks for associated injuries such as a Hill–Sachs lesion or rotator cuff tear.
- Preparation of the labrum and bone: The torn labrum and the edge of the socket are gently freshened so they can heal together.
- Anchor placement: Small suture anchors are inserted into the rim of the glenoid (socket) at planned positions.
- Labrum repair and capsular shift: Sutures from these anchors are passed through the labrum and capsule and then tied to bring the labrum back to the edge of the socket and tighten the front of the capsule.
- Final stability check: The repair is checked arthroscopically for stability and smooth movement.
The procedure is minimally invasive, preserves normal structures, and avoids large open incisions in most patients.
Recovery After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
Recovery is a gradual, supervised process. A typical rehabilitation pathway (modified to individual needs) includes:
- Sling use: Arm sling support for the first few weeks to protect the repair
- Early movements: Guided elbow, wrist, and hand exercises from day one; gentle shoulder movements as advised
- Physiotherapy: Structured program to regain range of motion, strength, and shoulder control
- Return to routine activities: Desk work usually within a couple of weeks, depending on pain and comfort
- Sports and heavy work: Gradual return over a few months, once strength, flexibility, and control tests are satisfactory
It is important to follow your surgeon’s and physiotherapist’s instructions closely. Over-straining the shoulder too early can affect healing.
When Should You Consider Surgery?
You may be advised arthroscopic Bankart repair if:
- There are repeated dislocations or episodes of the shoulder slipping out
- You have instability despite rest and physiotherapy
- You are involved in sports or occupations that demand a stable shoulder
- Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT or CT-arthrogram) shows a Bankart lesion or related structural damage
Not every patient with shoulder instability needs surgery. Some people improve with activity modification and rehabilitation alone. The decision is made after detailed clinical examination and review of your scans.
Bankart Repair at Hari Ram Kohli Memorial Hospital, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
At Hari Ram Kohli Memorial Hospital, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, evaluation for shoulder instability includes a thorough history, clinical examination, and appropriate imaging. Based on your age, activity level, pattern of instability, and scan findings, an individualized plan is discussed, which may include:
- Activity modification and physiotherapy-based rehabilitation
- Arthroscopic Bankart repair in suitable cases
- Additional procedures when required in complex or bony defects
Patients from Dehradun and across Uttarakhand often seek care for recurrent shoulder dislocation to regain confidence in using the arm for daily life, work, and sports.
In Summary
Recurrent shoulder dislocation can significantly affect confidence and quality of life. A Bankart lesion is a common cause of this instability. Arthroscopic Bankart repair is a keyhole procedure that restores the labrum and capsule to help stabilize the shoulder, combined with a structured rehabilitation program.
If you have repeated shoulder dislocations, a feeling of “slipping out,” or are worried about returning to sports, an evaluation can help clarify the cause and treatment options.
To discuss shoulder instability or arthroscopic Bankart repair in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, you may schedule a consultation.