ARTHROSCOPIC BANKART REPAIR

What is arthroscopic Bankart repair?

A form of shoulder instability called anterior shoulder dislocation can be treated with arthroscopic Bankart repair. The most frequent major joint dislocation after a severe injury is the shoulder. A recurrent shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) is forced out of the shoulder socket (glenoid) and returns to position, then moves out of position again. Recurrent shoulder dislocations may restrict your range of motion and create discomfort, weakness, and instability in the shoulder.

How is arthroscopic Bankart repair diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and clinical examination of the shoulder. Dr van Niekerk may recommend imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans to assess damage to the joint and surrounding soft tissues, including the labrum and ligaments.

What treatment options are available for a Bankart tear?

Conservative treatment measures for a Bankart tear include rest and immobilization with a sling followed by physical therapy. Bankart repair surgery is indicated when conservative treatment measures do not improve the condition and repeated shoulder dislocations occur.

How does Dr van Niekerk perform arthroscopic Bankart repair?

The following steps are used to execute arthroscopic Bankart repair, which is commonly done as an outpatient treatment under general anaesthesia or regional nerve block:

• Preparation – The patient is set up so that Dr van Niekerk can access the shoulder. In order to maintain a sterile environment, the surgical team cleans and sterilises the shoulder and then covers the area with drapes.
• Arthroscopy – In order to place an arthroscope—a tiny tube with a camera attached—into the shoulder joint, Dr van Niekerk creates a tiny skin incision. The camera feeds photos to a monitor to observe the inside of the joint.
• Repair – Dr van Niekerk utilises specialised tools to sew or secure the ligaments and labrum back into the shoulder. He may also decide to repair the shoulder capsule, or perform a Capsulorrhaphy, to help the joint become more stable.
• Closure – The arthroscope is withdrawn after the repair, and the incisions are either stitched or surgically sealed.

What is recovery like?

Recovery from arthroscopic Bankart repair includes pain management, immobilisation, physiotherapy, activity modification and follow-up appointments. Follow-up visits with Dr van Niekerk are necessary to track your progress and guarantee that the shoulder is healing appropriately. Imaging techniques like X-rays may be used to evaluate how well the repaired ligaments and labrum are healing. In order to guarantee the best possible recovery from surgery, it’s critical to adhere to the advice given by Dr van Niekerk and your physical therapist.

What are the significant benefits of arthroscopic Bankart repair?

Arthroscopic Bankart repair is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to address chronic shoulder instability. Its primary benefits are as follows:

• Smaller incisions compared to open surgical approaches
• Reduced postoperative pain
• Faster postoperative recovery
• Lower risk of infection

What are the risks and complications of arthroscopic Bankart repair?

As with all surgical procedures, arthroscopic Bankart repair carries certain risks. These may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Stiffness of the shoulder joint
• Injury to surrounding nerves or blood vessels
• Persistent shoulder instability
• Recurrence of shoulder dislocation
• Possible need for further surgical intervention in some cases