Bankart Repair Performed by Board-Certified Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeons in Louisville, KY

The shoulder is a highly mobile and complex ball-and-socket joint. Its relatively shallow socket (glenoid) is coated with a layer of cushioning cartilage (labrum), which provides stability without restricting mobility. The labrum can tear suddenly through trauma or fray gradually with repetitive overhead movements, such as a baseball pitch or tennis serve.

A Bankart tear occurs when the labrum is pulled away from the front of the glenoid. This common injury can result from an anterior shoulder dislocation, which happens when the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is pushed frontward and pops out of the glenoid. As the humerus is forced forward, it can strain the labrum, causing it to tear.

Bankart tear repair is a specialty of the renowned team of board-certified orthopedic shoulder surgeons at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic. Our independently owned orthopedic and sports medicine practice has been serving active individuals in the Louisville, Kentucky, area since 1974. Our surgeons are skilled and experienced in utilizing advanced, minimally invasive techniques to help our patients recover from orthopedic injuries quickly and safely.

What Are the Symptoms of a Bankart Tear?

A telltale sign of a Bankart tear is a clicking or popping sensation in the shoulder during movement. Other symptoms include:

• Pain
• Instability
• Weakness
• Reduced range of motion
• Recurrent dislocations

Prompt treatment for a Bankart tear is important. If the injury does not fully heal, the shoulder may become chronically unstable and prone to dislocation.

How Is a Bankart Tear Treated?

Conservative remedies such as rest, immobilization, and physical therapy can be effective for treating a Bankart tear. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be considered. The goal of surgery is to re-anchor the torn cartilage and restore shoulder stability. Oftentimes, this type of procedure can be performed arthroscopically.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a Bankart tear, you’ll want to have your injury evaluated and treated promptly so you can return to your daily activities as soon as possible. Contact Louisville Orthopaedic Center today to request an appointment with a board-certified orthopedic shoulder surgeon at our location in Louisville, KY.