Although it may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, arthroscopic bankart repair is actually an excellent surgical option for restoring strength and mobility to the shoulder. If medications, rest and physical therapy have not done enough to restore good shoulder mobility, we can help you at Angelo Mattalino, MD.
The shoulder is more than just two bones that meet together. Instead, it is an intricate ball-and-socket joint that is composed of numerous tendons, ligaments and muscles that weave together in such a way to create strength while also giving you excellent arm movement. One important tissue in the shoulder is the glenoid labrum, which helps to stabilize the area and prevent the upper arm from slipping out of the shoulder joint. If you have had a dislocated shoulder, you may have injured this tissue. When injured, the tissue is no longer as strong as it once was and may quickly give out again, leading to frequent shoulder dislocations.
When your shoulder is dislocated, you will feel great discomfort. Even when it is put back into place, you may feel that you are not as strong or stable there as you once were. This could be due to a torn or injured glenoid labrum. To repair this tissue, you will need a bankart repair.
There are two main options for bankart repair. The first option is the traditional open repair that requires a long incision and plenty of stitches. Arthroscopic bankart repair is far preferable because the patient tend to heal quickly and with virtually no scarring.
Arthroscopic bankart repair surgery does not require the typical three weeks for incisional healing. Instead, the area may be healed and the sutures removed or dissolved within a week. While you will still need to have activity restrictions for a set amount of time, you may find that your discomfort decreases more rapidly and you can return to work sooner than you could have with an open surgery.
Once your glenoid labrum is repaired, you should be able to use your arm normally once again. Physical therapy may follow your surgery to help you regain strength and mobility in the area once more. However, you will not have to worry about dislocating your shoulder so frequently. Make an appointment at Angelo Mattalino, MD in Phoenix for more information about this important procedure. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!