Arthroscopic Bankart / SLAP Tear Repair

• What is Bankart Lesion (Tear)?

Bankart lesion is a tear of the rim below the middle of the glenoid socket that also involves the inferior glenohumeral ligament. This injury is caused by repeated anterior Shoulder dislocations. The dislocation of the Shoulder joint can damage the connective tissue ring around the glenoid labrum.

• What is SLAP Lesion (Tear)?

SLAP lesion (Superior Labrum, Anterior to Posterior) is a tear of the rim above the middle of the socket that may also involve the biceps tendon.

• What are the causes for Bankart / SLAP tear?

Acute Bankart / SLAP tears happen when you fall down on your outstretched hand, a direct blow to the Shoulder, sudden pull while lifting heavy object and violent overhead reach, such as when trying to stop a fall or slide.

Bankart / SLAP tears due to repetitive Shoulder motion is common in athletes that practice volleyball, tennis, handball, throwing athletes, weightlifters and people who do overhead activities.

• What are the symptoms of Bankart / SLAP tears?

Common symptoms of Bankart / SLAP tears include:

1. A sense of instability in the Shoulder
2. Shoulder dislocations
3. Pain, usually with overhead activities
4. Catching, locking, popping, or grinding
5. Occasional night pain or pain with daily activities
6. Decreased range of motion
7. Loss of strength

• How the Bankart / SLAP tears treated?

There are various options depending on the type of tear, your age, activity level and requirements. Options will be discussed with you:

Nonsurgical options: Options may include,

1. Rest to the Shoulder with sling immobilisation and limiting the Shoulder activities.
2. Ice packs to Shoulder daily for 20 min
3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and swelling.
4. Physiotherapy to strengthen your Shoulder muscles.

Surgical options: Arthroscopic repair of Bankart / SLAP lesion with suture anchors

• When the Bankart / SLAP tear surgery is indicated?

Surgical treatment is indicated when,

1. Your tear was caused by a recent, acute injury
2. Your symptoms have lasted 6 to 12 months
3. You have a recurrent Shoulder dislocations
4. You have significant weakness and loss of function in your Shoulder

• How Bankart / SLAP lesion repaired?

Usually done under the combined brachial block and general anesthesia. The surgeon makes two small key holes in the Shoulder to insert an arthroscope into the joint. At first complete visualization of the Shoulder joint done to assess the structures. The torn Bankart / SLAP tear is reattached to the glenoid rim using suture anchors. The entire surgery performed through a minimally-invasive arthroscopic procedure and all inside technique.

• How long do I need to stay in the hospital after the Bankart / SLAP repair?

How long do I need to stay in the hospital after the Bankart / SLAP repair?

• How long do I need to stay in the hospital after the Bankart / SLAP repair?

You will be advised simple Shoulder exercises immediate post-surgery and Shoulder immobilizer for 3 weeks followed by Shoulder exercises as per the protocol. You can return to all normal activities and sports in 3 months

• What will happen if Bankart/ SLAP tear not repaired?

If you have a Bankart / SLAP tear and you keep using it despite increasing pain, you may cause further damage. The Shoulder muscles may become weak and eventually leads to recurrent Shoulder dislocations.