SHOULDER INSTABILITY
Bankart Tear
A Bankart tear is one of the most common injuries after a shoulder dislocation. It occurs when the labrum is torn from the front of the shoulder socket, reducing one of the shoulder's most important stabilizers. In many patients, a Bankart tear is the primary reason the shoulder continues to feel unstable after a dislocation.
Front Of The Labrum
Shoulder Dislocation
Loss Of Stability
Prevent Recurrent Dislocations
What Is A Bankart Tear?
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket. It deepens the socket and serves as an attachment point for important ligaments that stabilize the shoulder.
A Bankart tear occurs when the front portion of the labrum is pulled away from the glenoid during an anterior shoulder dislocation. Once detached, the shoulder often becomes much easier to dislocate again.
Dr. Streit's Clinical Perspective
A Bankart tear is not simply a torn piece of cartilage. It represents injury to one of the primary stabilizing structures of the shoulder. Whether that tear requires surgery depends on the entire clinical picture—not simply the MRI.
Common Symptoms
Shoulder Instability
The shoulder feels loose or may slip out again.
Apprehension
Fear that the shoulder will dislocate in certain positions.
Pain
Pain commonly follows the initial injury and later instability episodes.
Clicking
Some patients notice catching or clicking during shoulder motion.
Loss Of Confidence
Athletes often avoid overhead or contact activities.
Repeated Dislocations
The shoulder may continue to dislocate with relatively minor trauma.
How Is A Bankart Tear Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with the history of a traumatic shoulder dislocation followed by a physical examination. MRI is commonly used to evaluate the labrum, while CT scanning may be obtained if glenoid bone loss is suspected.
History
Physical Examination
MRI
CT Scan (When Needed)
Does Every Bankart Tear Need Surgery?
No.
Many patients improve with rehabilitation after a first shoulder dislocation. Others—particularly young athletes and patients with recurrent instability—have a much higher likelihood of continued dislocations and may benefit from surgical stabilization.
What I Tell My Patients
"I don't operate because the MRI says 'Bankart tear.' I operate when the injury has left the shoulder unstable enough that surgery provides the best opportunity to prevent future damage and restore long-term stability."
Treatment Options
Physical Therapy
Often appropriate after selected first-time dislocations.
Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
Repairs the detached labrum and restores stability in appropriately selected patients.
Latarjet Procedure
May be recommended when significant bone loss or other high-risk features are present.
Related Resources
Have You Been Diagnosed With A Bankart Tear?
A detailed shoulder evaluation can determine whether your Bankart tear is likely to heal with rehabilitation or whether surgical stabilization offers the best chance of preventing future dislocations.
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