Shoulder Stabilization (Bankart surgery)
Shoulder Stabilization
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. The shoulder joint is formed by the spheric head of the humerus and small articular cavity (or fossa). The motion amplitude is insignificantly limited by the osseous structures and soft tissues; therefore, the motions are available in three main planes. As the shoulder joint is free and very mobile, humeral dislocation is the most common dislocation among all joints.
Humeral dislocation occurs because of the adequate sport trauma, falls on the flat area due to slipping or in case of car accident. Bone dislocation results in shoulder deformity, pain and sometimes in finger numbing. After trauma the integration of torn ligaments, glenoid and capsule can fail, leading to joint instability. Instability of the shoulder joint manifests by the repeated shoulder dislocations, subluxations and fear of dislocation. Repeated dislocations can occur rarely, however, because of fear to experience subluxation or dislocation patients limit their physical activities, they cannot exercise sports and perform their usual work activities or even sleep. In case of frequent shoulder dislocations some patients learn how to repair it themselves.
Surgical treatment is recommended for the patients who suffer from frequently occurring dislocations/subluxations. For young sportsmen surgical treatment aiming to avoid high risk of repeated dislocations can be recommended even after the first event of dislocation.
About the surgery:
During the surgery the ligaments, capsule and glenoid are fixed to the bone by the anchor sutures (implants), his approach allows to restore the natural anatomy of the shoulder joint (Bankart repair). The surgery is done arthroscopically, thus the post-operative period is less painful and the patients can start their early rehabilitation programme on the first day after the surgery. The surgery results in improved function of a shoulder joint and disappearance of pre-operative symptoms. The majority of patients recover completely and can again enjoy sports, good sleep and continue moderate daily activities without limitations.
To whom this surgery is indicated?
The shoulder joint instability is diagnosed after clinical assessment of patient’s complains, medical history and results of special clinical tests. Data of instrumental examinations (X-ray, MRI and CT images) are assessed during a consultation and then an individual treatment method is selected.
Before the surgery:
The team of physicians in our clinic will carry out all necessary examinations and will assess general patients’ health condition. Aiming to ensure the best possible result, before the surgery you should follow physician's instructions.
During the surgery:
The surgery will be carried out under a general anaesthesia. During the arthroscopic surgery the ligaments, capsule and glenoid are fixed to the bone by the anchor sutures (implants), his approach allows to restore the natural anatomy of the shoulder joint. Usually, the surgery lasts for about 2 hours.
After the surgery:
After the surgery the patient for several hours is transferred to an intensive care ward for observation, later the in-hospital treatment is continued. Usually on the next day after the surgery the patient is discharged.
Rehabilitation treatment is required after all reconstructive surgeries of a shoulder joint. After the completion of a specialised rehabilitation programme pain resolves and motion amplitude as well as arm strength are restored. The patients should wear an arm splint or about 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. Special rehabilitation exercises are performed without the splint. The exact immobilisation duration and the regimen of rehabilitation treatment should be defined by the treating surgeon. Sport activities and manual work are allowed after 3-4 months. If the patient exercises the contact sports (ruby, wrestling), sport activities are allowed after 6-9 months.
