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Arthroscopic Bankart Repair

Arthroscopic Bankart repair is a minimally invasive (keyhole) operation used to treat recurrent anterior shoulder instability caused by a Bankart tear.

The procedure involves repairing the torn labrum and ligaments back to the front of the shoulder socket (glenoid), helping to restore shoulder stability while preserving normal movement.

It is one of the most commonly performed operations for recurrent shoulder dislocation in patients without significant glenoid bone loss.

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What is a Bankart Tear?

A Bankart tear occurs when the front of the shoulder labrum is torn away from the socket during an anterior shoulder dislocation.

Because the ligaments attached to the labrum are also injured, the shoulder becomes more prone to further dislocations.

Repairing the labrum restores the attachment of these stabilising structures.

Related page

→ Bankart Tear

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Who May Benefit from Arthroscopic Bankart Repair?

The procedure may be appropriate for patients with:

• Recurrent shoulder dislocations
• Recurrent shoulder subluxations
• Symptomatic Bankart tears
• Persistent instability despite rehabilitation
• Young active individuals
• Competitive athletes
• Little or no significant glenoid bone loss

Not every patient with a Bankart tear requires surgery. Treatment is individualised according to symptoms, activity level and the pattern of instability.

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The torn labrum is reattached to the edge of the shoulder socket using small suture anchors.

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How is the Operation Performed?

The operation is performed using arthroscopy (keyhole surgery).

Several small incisions are made around the shoulder to allow a camera and specialised instruments to be introduced.

The torn labrum is mobilised and repaired back to the front of the shoulder socket using small suture anchors.

At the same time, your surgeon carefully assesses the shoulder for associated injuries, including:

• Hill-Sachs lesions
• Glenoid bone loss
• SLAP tears
• Rotator cuff tears
• Cartilage injuries

Additional procedures may be performed if required.

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When is Arthroscopic Bankart Repair Not the Best Option?

Although Bankart repair is an excellent procedure for many patients, it is not appropriate for everyone.

Other operations may be recommended if there is:

• Significant glenoid bone loss
• Large engaging Hill-Sachs lesion
• Failed previous stabilisation surgery
• Complex recurrent instability

In these situations, procedures such as a Latarjet may provide a more reliable outcome.

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Advantages of Arthroscopic Bankart Repair

Potential benefits include:

• Minimally invasive surgery
• Small incisions
• Repair of the labrum and ligaments
• Preservation of shoulder movement
• Good cosmetic result
• Early rehabilitation
• Return to sports for many patients

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Are There Any Risks?

All surgical procedures carry potential risks.

These include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Stiffness
• Recurrent instability
• Nerve injury (rare)
• Failure of healing
• Need for further surgery

Your surgeon will discuss these risks in the context of your individual condition.

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Recovery After Surgery

Recovery occurs in stages.

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First 4 Weeks

• Sling
• Pain control
• Gentle physiotherapy
• Protection of the repair

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Weeks 4–8

• Gradual restoration of movement
• Continued physiotherapy

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Weeks 8–12

• Progressive strengthening
• Functional exercises

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4–6 Months

• Return to contact sports
• Return to overhead sports
• Sport-specific rehabilitation

Recovery varies depending on your injury, associated procedures and rehabilitation progress.

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Recovery Timeline

Activity	Approximate Time
Sling	4-6 weeks
Desk work	1–2 weeks
Driving	4–6 weeks
Physiotherapy	Begins early
Strengthening	8–12 weeks
Contact sports	4–6 months

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will my shoulder ever dislocate again?

The aim of surgery is to reduce the risk of recurrent instability. However, no operation can completely eliminate the possibility of another dislocation, particularly following significant trauma.

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Is arthroscopic surgery better than open surgery?

Many patients can be treated successfully using arthroscopic techniques. The most appropriate surgical approach depends on the pattern of instability, associated injuries and bone loss rather than a single technique being “better” for every patient.

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Will I lose shoulder movement?

Most patients regain excellent shoulder movement following rehabilitation. Temporary stiffness is common during the early stages of recovery and usually improves with physiotherapy.

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How long before I can return to sport?

Return to sport depends on healing, shoulder strength, stability and the demands of the activity. Contact and overhead sports generally require approximately 4–6 months of rehabilitation.

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Why Choose Dr Puah Ken Lee?

Dr Puah Ken Lee is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore whose practice focuses on shoulder, elbow and sports injuries. He has extensive experience treating recurrent shoulder instability using advanced arthroscopic techniques. Every patient undergoes a detailed assessment to determine whether arthroscopic Bankart repair is the most appropriate operation or whether alternative stabilisation procedures are likely to provide a better long-term outcome.

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Related Pages

Conditions

• Shoulder Instability
• Shoulder Dislocation
• Bankart Tear
• Shoulder Labral Tear
• Hill-Sachs Lesion
• Glenoid Bone Loss

Procedures

• Shoulder Instability Surgery
• Arthroscopic Latarjet
• Posterior Labral Repair 
• Shoulder Surgery

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For a full overview of shoulder conditions, visit Shoulder Specialist Singapore

Dr Puah is regularly invited to teach shoulder surgery internationally

Specialist Care for Shoulder Injuries in Singapore

Dr Puah is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries. He provides personalised care tailored to each patient’s condition and activity level.

Consultations are available at Mount Elizabeth Novena.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain that is affecting your daily life or sports, early assessment can help guide appropriate treatment.

Book a consultation or contact the clinic to discuss your condition.

Book a Consultation

Book a consultation or contact the clinic via WhatsApp to get started

Book a consultation at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena

Bankart tears are common but treatable. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can improve outcomes and prevent long-term problems.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena. Patients with persistent shoulder pain or instability after injury are encouraged to seek specialist evaluation.