Treatment for Shoulder Instability | Bankart Reconstruction Surgery | Chronic Shoulder Instability

I Have Chronic Shoulder Instability. Can You Explain What a Bankart Repair is?

Dear Dr. Millett,

I have chronic shoulder instability and am interested in learning more about the Bankart Reconstruction surgery technique to treat this condition. Is this surgery effective for this injury?

Thanks,
John M.

Dear John,

Thank you for your question. Within the shoulder there are many ligaments and tendons that provide stability to the shoulder while at the same time allow the joint to be extremely mobile. When a person dislocates their shoulder to the front, the most common direction, the labrum and associated ligaments can be torn. When the anterior-inferior ligament in the shoulder is torn together with the labrum, it is called a Bankart Lesion. A Bankart Reconstruction Surgery or Bankart Repair is an operation which tightens and repairs the damaged labrum and re-tensions the ligaments. Anchors are used to attach the ligament and labrum back to the shoulder socket. I often use the Bankart reconstruction surgery on patients with chronic shoulder instability.
In even more severe cases of chronic shoulder instability, I will on occasion use a transplanted tendon (from another part of the body or from a cadaver) to make new ligaments and cartilage, which then act to prevent dislocation and stabilize the chronically unstable shoulder.

I perform a Bankart-type capsulolabral reconstruction surgery on many patients with chronic instability. It is almost always performed arthroscopically. The procedure is effective and successful greater than 95% of the time. You can read more about the Bankart reconstruction surgery and about chronic shoulder instability on my website.

Peter Millett, MD

Average rating:

39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!

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