Dr. Carlos Rebollón
Bankart Injury in the Shoulder in Panama
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Bankart Injury in the Shoulder
Bankart Injury in the Shoulder
A Bankart injury is a common type of shoulder injury that occurs in 90% of cases of shoulder dislocations. It occurs when there is a tear in the lower part of the glenoid labrum, usually as a result of an anterior shoulder dislocation.
The labrum, also known as the glenoid rim, is a ring of fibrocartilaginous tissue that attaches to the glenoid cavity (where the humeral head is inserted) to provide more depth to this structure. This allows the shoulder to have the necessary joint stability to perform its functions.
WHAT IS A BANKART INJURY OF THE SHOULDER?
A Bankart injury is a tear in the glenoid rim that mainly occurs due to a traumatic event, such as a fall or a collision. However, it can also occur as a result of repetitive or forceful actions involving the shoulder, such as throwing or contact sports.
An injury like this requires immediate medical attention in order to relocate the humeral head back into place and assess for any damage to the surrounding tissues.
SYMPTOMS OF A BANKART INJURY
A Bankart injury may present the following symptoms:
Persistent sharp pain
Instability (feeling that the shoulder is slipping out of place)
Difficulty with joint mobility, especially when attempting abduction and rotation movements
Pronounced joint deformity
Hematomas.
Diagnostic process
The specialist will examine your arm and shoulder, assessing the range of motion and the presence of pain in different directions. Imaging tests (such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, among others) are likely to be performed to assess the condition of the joint tissues and the extent of the damage.
After understanding the characteristics of the Bankart injury in the shoulder, the doctor may recommend either conservative or surgical treatment, taking into consideration factors such as age, type of activity, and any previous shoulder injuries.
CAUSES OF A BANKART INJURY
As mentioned earlier, a Bankart injury can occur after a fall, a direct blow to the shoulder, or as a result of excessive joint use due to demanding work or muscular overload from sports activities.
TREATMENTS FOR A BANKART INJURY OF THE SHOULDER
Conservative treatment for a Bankart injury involves rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and later, physiotherapeutic exercises to strengthen the muscles that provide stability to the joint and prevent recurrence. Some patients may require reduction and the use of a sling for a specific period of time.
If initial treatment is ineffective or if there are frequent recurrences, the doctor may recommend arthroscopic labral repair surgery. This minimally invasive procedure involves suturing the labrum and using special anchors to restore lost joint sustainability and stability.
Classification of Bankart Injury
Tears of the glenoid labrum can be classified as follows:
ALPSA Lesion: Anterior labral tear with displacement towards the glenoid neck, which exponentially increases shoulder instability.
Perthes Lesion: Labral tear where the periosteum of the scapula detaches and moves anteriorly.
GLAD Lesion: Partial anterior labral tear with an osteochondral defect. Bony Bankart:
Bone fracture occurs (Bony Bankart is frequently seen in the humeral head).
HAGL Lesion: Glenohumeral ligament avulsion.
HOW TO PREVENT BANKART INJURY?
To minimize the risk of sustaining a Bankart injury in the shoulder, you should:
Improve throwing technique by regularly practicing sports such as baseball, American football, or volleyball.
Maintain good muscle tone, as the shoulder muscles are directly involved in its fixation and stability.
Continue to strengthen the shoulder structures to prevent recurrent Bankart injury.
