Shoulder dislocation is a condition originating as a result of sports injury, fall or accidents. Humerus has a rounded ball top that falls into a socket or the Glenoid Cavity. A cartilage layer called the Labrum acts as a softener or a cushion in the socket, helping the bone move freely in the socket. During an injury to this joint or a hard fall, the ball top moves outside the socket resulting in shoulder dislocation injury. Painful in most times, the dislocation may also cause swelling and numbness in the area or pain radiating to the arm and neck. In extreme cases, such dislocations if not treated properly, may end up in nerve damage too.

Why Shoulder Dislocation must not be overlooked

Any injury occurring to the human body must not be considered trivial and adequate care and treatment should be given for the injury to heal. Sometimes, the pain and trauma caused due to the dislocation are so severe that any further enforced movement on the joint cause extreme pain. If uncared or treated locally, the dislocation may in time lead to serious repercussions. This is because multiple dislocation may in time further damage the bones ligaments or blood vessels. Only a detailed X-Ray or MRI Scan would help the doctor learn more about the injury and suggest treatment plans.

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair

Closed reduction is the most common and traditional process of treatment wherein dislocated shoulder bone is placed back into the socket. To be performed by a doctor, in this normal process for non-severe cases of dislocation, the pain reduces as the joint is reduced back in place. To reduce further movement till the pain subsides completely and the bone can move freely in the Glenoid Cavity, the arm has to be placed in an immobiliser for a certain period.

Once the shoulder capsule is torn it remains so for life, depending on the severity of tear the shoulder dislocates. If shoulder dislocates more than 3 – 4 times, treatment method known as Arthroscopic Bankart Repair is performed on the patient. Arthroscopy is an invasive surgical technique used in Bankart repair. In this, small incisions are made by the surgeon on the shoulder joint. He then inserts an Arthroscope, with a light source and a video camera at one end and the other end attached to a video output screen. The camera transmits the images which tell the surgeon about the progress in the surgical process. Based on the video output, the surgeon prepares the edges of the Glenoid Cavity through the other incision. Suturing is done to attach the Labrum to the Glenoid Cavity like before with suture anchors.

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair is a surgical process that is extremely safe and does not cause any damage to the other shoulder bone areas. Any tears in tendon or cartilage are fixed through this method. Causing minimal pain and post-surgical scars, this treatment methodology requires very little time for recuperation and patient rehabilitation. This aids the person to have near normal function and can get back to regular activities easier.

Post Surgical care

Post-surgical care has to be taken in the following ways:

  • Patient would have to keep his arm in a sling for 2 – 3 weeks.
  • Undertake physical therapy sessions for up to 4 – 8 weeks for strengthening the muscle tissues.
  • Avoid adventure or contact sports for up to 6 – 8 months from surgery to give time for the healing process to complete.
  • Allowed to perform daily activities other than lifting weights.
  • Can resume low-risk activities after 10 weeks from surgery.