Bankart Repair Surgeon
Are you an athlete who participates in contact sports? If so, you may be at risk of developing chronic shoulder instability due to a shoulder dislocation. A Bankart repair is one of the most common procedures used to treat ongoing shoulder instability. Bankart repair surgeon, Dr. James Mazzara provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Enfield, Glastonbury and surrounding Hartford communities who have developed chronic shoulder instability. Contact Dr. Mazzara’s team today!
Capsulolabral Reconstruction – The Bankart Repair
What is Capsulolabral Reconstruction?
Capsulolabral reconstruction, also called the Bankart Repair is the most common surgery performed on patients with chronic instability. The procedure is named for the Bankart lesion, a common name for the condition it addresses: injury of the anterior glenoid labrum of the shoulder due to dislocation. A Bankart lesion happens most frequently in the athletic population when the dislocation occurs toward the front (or anterior) part of the shoulder where the anterior-inferior ligament is torn along with the labrum.
Why Would I need a Bankart Repair?
The shoulder joint is responsible for providing strength and stability when performing overhead motions. Certain patients may experience some level of instability of the shoulder joint in their lifetime because the joint’s large range of motion makes it more susceptible to damage. Dislocations and ligament tears can cause chronic instability, causing the joint to become loose and slip out of place. Dr. James Mazzara, serving the Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Enfield, Glastonbury and surrounding Hartford communities performs capsulolabral reconstruction and provides Bankart repair protocols for his patients.
How is the Capsulolabral Reconstruction Performed?
Dr. James Mazzara can perform this highly effective procedure with arthroscopic or open surgery. The surgical procedure addresses the displaced labrum that resulted from a shoulder dislocation. The ligaments that also provide stability to the shoulder are attached to this labrum. Following a shoulder dislocation, both the labrum and the stabilizing glenohumeral ligaments are torn from their normal position and will heal out of place causing the shoulder to be unstable and prone to recurrent dislocation and a sensation that the shoulder is slipping out of the joint. The repaired labrum and its ligaments are repaired back to their normal position on the glenoid bone in the shoulder. Dr. Mazzara will sew the detached glenoid labrum and the associated ligaments (the labrum is the rim of cartilage or cup-shaped rim that reinforces the socket of the shoulder joint). This procedure is highly successful in stabilizing the shoulder joint and lowering the risk of chronic dislocations.
What Should Patients do After Bankart Repair Surgery?
Dr. Mazzara requires patients to wear a sling for six weeks following surgery so the repaired labrum can continue to heal to the glenoid bone. Patients in the Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Enfield, Glastonbury and surrounding Hartford communities are given a set of protocols following capsulolabral reconstruction by Dr. Mazzara:
- Apply ice to the incision site to alleviate pain following surgery.
- Take pain medication as prescribed by Dr. Mazzara to alleviate pain and swelling.
- Use a sling, only as recommended and do not discontinue use until directed.
- Keep the arm immobile. You may remove the sling to dress or bathe, but keep the arm immobile.
- Do not remove the sutures. Follow the incision site instructions provided to you by Dr. Mazzara and his staff.
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy will begin approximately 4-8 weeks after the Bankart repair. Dr. Mazzara will prescribe a program that focuses on shoulder strength and range of motion.
Please note the above list is a general protocol for information only. Dr. Mazzara and his orthopedic team will provide complete post-operative, recovery and rehabilitation guidelines to each patient, based on their specific injury, repair and need.
If you have a question about capsulolabral reconstruction or would like more information on the Bankart Repair, please contact the offices of Dr. James Mazzara, shoulder surgeon serving Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Enfield, Glastonbury and surrounding Hartford communities.