Bankart Repair (Shoulder Labrum)
Bankart repair reattaches the torn front portion of the shoulder labrum — the fibrocartilage ring that deepens the socket and keeps the joint stable. It's the standard surgery for recurrent shoulder dislocations after the labrum tears off the glenoid. Compared to physical therapy alone, repair cuts redislocation rates dramatically.
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Who Needs Bankart Repair (Shoulder Labrum)?
The procedure is recommended for recurrent dislocations or subluxations, contact and overhead athletes who've dislocated once and want to get back to their sport, and anyone with a confirmed labral tear causing instability. Younger athletes in contact sports are increasingly having it done after a first dislocation, since the odds of redislocation without surgery are high.
What to Expect
Recovery Timeline
Sling immobilization. Pendulum exercises only. No active shoulder use.
Begin active range of motion. Light strengthening with physical therapy. Sling discontinued.
Progressive strengthening. Rotator cuff and scapular stabilization exercises.
Return to non-contact sport and overhead activities.
Return to full contact sport and competition for most patients.
Risks & Complications
- Redislocation (5-10% after repair vs. 50-90% without surgery in young athletes)
- Stiffness (loss of external rotation)
- Anchor failure
- Nerve injury (rare)
- Infection (less than 1%)
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I return to contact sports after Bankart repair?
Most contact athletes are back at full sport by 6-9 months. Timing depends on strength, range of motion, and your surgeon's clearance. Going back too soon raises the chance of redislocation.
Will I lose shoulder motion after Bankart repair?
A small loss of external rotation — around 5-10 degrees — is common and actually helpful for stability. Significant stiffness can happen if rehab isn't followed properly, but consistent physical therapy gets most patients to near-normal motion.
What if I have bone loss with my instability?
Bone loss greater than 20-25% of the glenoid socket usually means a Bankart repair alone will fail. A bone-grafting procedure — Latarjet or Eden-Hybinette — is needed instead. Your surgeon will measure bone loss on CT before making a recommendation.
Find a surgeon for Bankart Repair (Shoulder Labrum)
Compare orthopaedic surgeons who perform this procedure.
Search surgeonsEstimated Cost
$15,000 - $35,000 (before insurance). Covered when instability is documented and conservative treatment has failed or is not appropriate.
Full cost breakdownRelated Specialty
Shoulder Specialists →Other Procedures
This information is for educational purposes only. Costs are estimates and vary by location, surgeon, and insurance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.