Shoulder Surgery
Anterior Stabilisation (Bankart Repair)

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Indications for operation
Traumatic anterior instability

Anaesthetic
General Anaesthetic with an interscalene block
(Fully asleep with a local anaesthetic injection into the side of the neck will numb the nerves to the shoulder for post-operative pain relief)

Operation type
Arthroscopic or open

Incisions
If the operation is arthroscopic: 3 ½ cm incisions will be made in the shoulder, one to the back and two at the front of the shoulder.

If the operation is "open" arthroscopy may be performed first. The incision for the open operation is a 6cm deltopectoral incision (over the front of the shoulder).

Procedure
With either type of operation the procedure is essentially the same. The gleno-humeral (shoulder) joint will be inspected first followed by the subacromial bursa and the rotator cuff. The area where the labrum has become detached will be freshened up and the labrum re-attached to the glenoid using 2 or 3 sutures secured to the bone using "suture anchors"

Wound Closure
Small butterfly paper stitches will be used to close the wounds. If the open operation has been performed a dissolving stitch under the skin will also be used.

Dressings
Elastoplast dressings will be placed over the top of the paper stitches and an adhesive bandage over the top of this.

Immediate aftercare
An immobilser sling will be placed on the arm and it may feel numb for the rest of the day. You can go home when you feel comfortable and will be given instructions on what to do next.
Further instructions for Shoulder Stabilisation rehabilitation

Download Postoperative Instructions