A shoulder dislocation is painful, and for many people it does not end with a single episode. If your shoulder keeps slipping out, feels loose, or gives way during sport, you may have a Bankart lesion, a tear of the labrum at the front of the shoulder socket. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic instability and repeated dislocations.

The most effective treatment for many patients is arthroscopic Bankart repair, a minimally invasive, keyhole procedure that restores stability to the shoulder. At Sports Orthopedics Institute, our team treats shoulder instability in cricketers, badminton players, footballers, runners, gym-goers and weekend athletes across Bengaluru and Karnataka.

In this guide, you will learn what causes a Bankart lesion, how the surgery is performed, what recovery looks like week by week, and how to prevent another dislocation.

What Is a Bankart Lesion?

The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the shoulder socket (the glenoid). It deepens the socket and helps hold the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) in place. A Bankart lesion occurs when the front-lower part of this labrum tears, usually after a dislocation or subluxation (partial dislocation).

It is most common in young, active people, particularly in contact and overhead sports such as football, kabaddi, basketball, wrestling, cricket, swimming and baseball.

Common causes

Traumatic shoulder dislocation, such as a fall on an outstretched arm or a sports collision
Repetitive overhead activity, such as swimming, bowling or throwing, and weightlifting
Previous shoulder instability or naturally loose joints (hypermobility)
Road traffic accidents, including two-wheeler falls, which are a common cause of shoulder injuries in city riders

Why does it cause repeated dislocations?

Once the labrum is torn, the shoulder loses its natural stabiliser. The ball no longer sits securely in the socket, so future dislocations can happen with less and less force.

Symptoms of a Bankart Lesion

A feeling that your shoulder is loose or about to slip out
Recurrent dislocations or subluxations
Pain with movement, especially overhead
Clicking, catching or popping
Weakness and reduced range of motion

How is it diagnosed?

Your orthopedic surgeon will usually carry out:

Physical examination to check stability, strength and range of motion
X-rays to rule out fractures and check for bone loss from the socket
MRI scan (often MR arthrogram, with contrast) to confirm the labral tear and assess other structures

In some cases a CT scan is advised to measure bone loss accurately, because this affects which surgery is right for you.

When Is Arthroscopic Bankart Repair Recommended?

Small or first-time injuries may settle with physiotherapy, rest, activity modification and anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery is usually recommended when:

The shoulder dislocates repeatedly
Instability affects daily activities or work
You are an athlete or very active and need full shoulder function
Non-surgical treatment has failed

Ideal candidates

Young, active patients, especially those under 30
People with frequent dislocations
Patients without significant bone loss in the socket or shoulder arthritis

If there is substantial bone loss, a different procedure (such as a Latarjet or bone-grafting operation) may give a more reliable result. Your surgeon will explain which option suits you.

How to Prepare for Surgery

Before surgery, your surgeon will review your medical history, examine the shoulder, order MRI and X-rays, and discuss expectations and risks. To prepare:

Stop smoking, as it slows healing
Check with your doctor about anti-inflammatory medicines, which may increase bleeding, before the operation
Arrange help at home, as your arm will be in a sling
Practise one-handed tasks such as eating, dressing and using your phone
Plan your time off from work, college, training or driving
Check your insurance: many health insurance policies cover shoulder arthroscopy, so confirm cashless eligibility and pre-authorisation with our team in advance.

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: Step-by-Step

The operation is usually done as a day-care or short-stay procedure.

Anaesthesia and positioning: You receive general anaesthesia, often combined with a nerve block for pain relief. You are positioned either sitting upright (beach-chair position) or lying on your side (lateral decubitus position).
Creating portals: Two or three tiny incisions are made for the arthroscope (a small camera) and instruments.
Viewing the joint: Saline solution expands the joint, and the camera shows the labral tear on a monitor.
Preparing the labrum: The torn labrum and surrounding tissue are cleaned and prepared for healing.
Anchoring the labrum: Tiny suture anchors are placed in the glenoid, and the sutures are used to reattach the labrum securely.
Closure: The small incisions are closed, and your arm is placed in a sling to protect the repair.

Benefits of the keyhole approach

Smaller scars
Less pain and tissue damage than open surgery
Faster early recovery
Excellent view of the whole joint

Recovery Timeline After Bankart Repair

Recovery takes patience. Timelines vary with your injury, age, sport and how well you follow rehabilitation.

First few days: The shoulder is kept in a sling, usually for around 4 to 6 weeks. Pain and swelling are managed with ice, prescribed medicines and rest. Movement is limited.

Weeks 1–6 (early phase): Gentle passive range-of-motion exercises begin with your physiotherapist. Avoid lifting, pushing or pulling with the operated arm.

Weeks 6–12 (intermediate phase): The sling is discontinued, and active-assisted movement begins. Light resistance bands and weights are introduced, while overhead and high-impact activity is still avoided.

Months 3–6 (advanced phase): Progressive strengthening restores range of motion and stability. Sport-specific exercises may start, and many people return to low-impact activity around 4 to 5 months.

Months 6–9 (return to sport): Most athletes return to competitive sport between 6 and 9 months, once strength, endurance and flexibility are restored.

Your own timeline will be set by your surgeon and physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is just as important as the surgery itself. Skipping it is one of the main reasons repairs fail.

Phase	Timing	Goals	Typical exercises
1	Weeks 0–6	Protect the repair, reduce pain, prevent stiffness	Pendulum exercises, assisted forward elevation, assisted external rotation
2	Weeks 6–12	Regain motion, begin gentle activation	Active-assisted ROM, light resistance bands for rotator cuff, scapular strengthening
3	Months 3–6	Restore strength and stability	Light dumbbell presses, internal/external rotation, proprioception drills
4	Months 6–9	Return to sport and full function	Sport-specific training, plyometrics (e.g. medicine ball throws), heavier resistance training

An experienced sports physiotherapist in Bengaluru can guide you through each phase and adapt it to your sport, whether that is cricket, badminton, swimming, running, cycling or the gym.

Risks and Complications

Arthroscopic Bankart repair is safe and effective, but like any surgery it carries some risk.

Common risks

Infection (rare, treated with antibiotics)
Bleeding or blood clots (uncommon)
Stiffness or frozen shoulder, which is more likely if rehab is delayed

Possible complications

Recurrent instability if the repair fails
Nerve or blood vessel injury (rare)
Suture anchor failure, which may need revision surgery

When to seek medical help

Contact your surgeon promptly if you have:

Severe pain not relieved by medication
Increasing swelling, redness or discharge from the wounds
Loss of sensation or movement in the arm
Fever

Success Rates and Long-Term Outcomes

Arthroscopic Bankart repair has a high success rate, particularly in carefully selected patients.

Most patients regain good shoulder stability, and published studies report recurrence rates of roughly 10–15% in properly selected patients
Most people return to daily activities within about 3 months
Return to full sport is usually possible between 6 and 9 months
Patients who follow their rehab programme closely have better long-term outcomes

Recurrence risk can be higher in young contact-sport athletes and in patients with bone loss, which is why careful assessment before surgery matters.

Preventing Future Shoulder Dislocations

Strengthening

Rotator cuff strengthening with resistance bands
Scapular stabilisation, such as shoulder-blade squeezes and wall push-ups
Core and upper-body conditioning, since a strong core supports the shoulder

Activity modifications

Avoid repetitive overhead activity until fully healed
Build intensity gradually when returning to sport
Use correct technique when lifting weights

Tips for athletes

Warm up and stretch before every session
Wear protective gear in contact sports
Follow a progressive, sport-specific rehab programme

Shoulder Surgery in Bengaluru: Why Choose Sports Orthopedics Institute?

Choosing the right surgeon and rehab team matters as much as the procedure. At Sports Orthopedics Institute in HSR Layout, Bengaluru, you can expect:

Evaluation by a fellowship-trained sports orthopedic and shoulder surgeon Dr. Naveen Kumar LV, Dr. Jithin Lobo, Dr. Sameer KM, Dr. Karthik D or Dr. Kiran Kumar R.
Modern arthroscopic facilities and on-site imaging support
Coordinated sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Help with insurance and cashless processing
Care for patients from across Bengaluru, Karnataka and neighbouring states

Not sure whether you need surgery? Book a consultation to have your shoulder assessed. Call [Phone Number] or book online at sportsorthopedics.in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does recovery from arthroscopic Bankart repair take?

Full recovery typically takes 6–9 months. Range of motion usually returns by about 3–4 months, and athletes may need longer rehab before returning to sport.

When can I return to sports after surgery?

Most non-contact sports can be resumed after about 4–5 months. Contact sports and heavy lifting should generally wait at least 6–9 months, depending on your surgeon's clearance.

Will my shoulder be as strong as before?

With proper rehabilitation and strengthening, shoulder strength and stability can return to pre-injury levels. Avoiding re-injury is essential.

Are there alternatives to surgery for a Bankart lesion?

Physiotherapy, rest and anti-inflammatory medication can help minor cases. For recurrent dislocations, surgery is usually the best option.

How much does Bankart repair cost in Bengaluru?

Cost depends on the hospital, implants, anaesthesia, the extent of the injury and your insurance cover. Contact our team for a personalised estimate and help with cashless approval.

How can I prevent my shoulder from dislocating again?

Strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder-blade muscles, avoid excessive strain, and follow a structured rehab programme.

Can I drive after surgery?

Not while you are in the sling or taking sedating pain medication. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe, which is typically several weeks after surgery.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic Bankart repair is a highly effective way to restore shoulder stability after recurrent dislocations. With a structured recovery plan, committed physiotherapy and progressive strength training, most patients return to full, active lives.

If your shoulder keeps slipping, don't wait for the next dislocation. Book an appointment with Sports Orthopedics Institute in Bengaluru to get an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to you.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified orthopedic surgeon about your own condition.

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in Bengaluru: Procedure, Recovery & Rehab Guide