Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
-
Chat With Us
+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Bankart Repair / Anterior Stabilisation
Bankart Repair / Anterior Stabilisation
A Bankart repair is a surgical procedure used to reattach the torn labrum (the ring of cartilage around the shoulder socket, or glenoid) to restore shoulder stability. The shoulder joint is made up of the humerus, scapula, and clavicle. The rounded head of the humerus rests in the shallow glenoid cavity of the scapula, which is reinforced by the labrum and surrounding ligaments (capsule). Because the shoulder socket is naturally shallow, these stabilising structures are essential to prevent dislocation.
A Bankart lesion occurs when the labrum is torn away from the anterior–inferior portion of the glenoid, often during a shoulder dislocation. This injury frequently damages the inferior glenohumeral ligament, leaving the shoulder unstable and prone to repeated dislocations.
Dislocations linked to Bankart lesions are typically classified into three categories:
- TUBS (Traumatic, Unilateral, Bankart lesion, Surgery): Caused by a significant external force (e.g., a rugby tackle) that forces the shoulder out of the socket, tearing the labrum. The shoulder usually dislocates in a single direction (anterior, posterior, or inferior) and requires reduction (relocation). In these cases, surgical anterior stabilisation is performed to repair the Bankart lesion and restore the ligament.
- AMBRI (Atraumatic, Multidirectional, Bilateral, Rehabilitation, Inferior Capsular Shift): Dislocations result from muscle weakness and ligamentous laxity rather than trauma. They often occur in both shoulders and in multiple directions. Initial treatment focuses on structured rehabilitation, but if instability persists, surgery such as capsular shift or shrinkage may be considered.
- Positional Non-traumatic Dislocations: In some cases, individuals can voluntarily dislocate and relocate their shoulders without injury. These are usually managed with rehabilitation, with capsular shrinkage surgery as a last resort.
Bankart repairs and anterior stabilisations are most often performed arthroscopically (keyhole surgery) using small incisions and specialised instruments. In certain cases, however, open surgery may be recommended.
Physiotherapy Before Bankart Repair and Anterior Stabilisation
Undertaking physiotherapy before surgery plays a crucial role in preparing the shoulder for recovery. Pre-operative rehabilitation helps strengthen the joint, reduce the risk of further dislocations, and create a solid foundation for post-surgical progress. Key treatment strategies may include:
- Cryotherapy (cold therapy)
- Pain management techniques
- Protective taping and bracing
- Acute symptom control
- Muscle strengthening programmes
- Proprioceptive (joint awareness) training
- Manual therapy
- Education and guidance for post-surgical care
Symptoms Following Bankart Repair and Anterior Stabilisation
After Bankart repair and anterior stabilisation surgery, the shoulder is typically placed in a protective sling for around 3 weeks. This allows proper healing and protects the repaired structures. During this time, you will have limited use of your arm and must follow your surgeon’s movement restrictions. Common symptoms after surgery include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Stiffness
Physiotherapy Following Bankart Repair and Anterior Stabilisation
A structured physiotherapy programme is critical for achieving the best outcomes after Bankart repair. Acephysiosports.com will provide a personalised plan tailored to your procedure, starting with early symptom management and gradually progressing to restore mobility, strength, and function.
Weeks 1–3
Initial rehabilitation focuses on protecting the repair, minimising complications, and gently beginning movement. Treatment may include:
- Cryotherapy and pain relief
- Postural education
- Range of movement and strengthening for the elbow, wrist, and hand
- Passive shoulder range of movement
- Progression to active-assisted shoulder movement
- Pendulum exercises
- Scapular setting exercises
- Isometric shoulder strengthening
- Soft tissue release
- Wound management
- Education and recovery advice
Weeks 4–6
During this phase, the sling is removed, and focus shifts to increasing range of motion and beginning early strengthening. Treatment may include:
- Pain
- Enhanced passive and active-assisted range of motion in all directions
- Initiating active range of motion exercises
- Scapular stabilisation training
- Soft tissue massage
- Capsule stretching
- Progressive strengthening exercises
- Closed-chain functional activities
- Proprioceptive training
- Scar management
Weeks 7–12
Rehabilitation progresses to higher-level strengthening and functional activity training. The goals are full range of motion, improved muscular strength, and endurance. Treatment may include:
- Full scapular control
- Restoring complete active and passive range of movement
- Rotator cuff strengthening
- Shoulder muscle strengthening
- Stretching and flexibility work
- Soft tissue massage
- Endurance training
- Advanced proprioceptive drills, including PNF patterns
- Joint mobilisations
- Functional and daily activity training
- Introduction of sports-specific drills (progressing from non-contact to contact)
- Plyometric and perturbation exercises
- Proprioceptive (joint awareness and control) exercises
- Functional activity training
- Sports-specific rehabilitation
Weeks 12+
At this stage, physiotherapy intensifies to help patients regain full functional capacity and return to sport and daily life. Full recovery generally occurs within 4–6 months. Long-term rehabilitation may include:
- Achieving and maintaining full shoulder range of motion
- Advanced strengthening of the rotator cuff across all ranges
- Progressive shoulder muscle strengthening
- High-level proprioceptive and stability training
- Functional and sports-specific conditioning
- Long-term shoulder health management
Summary
Bankart repair and anterior stabilisation is a widely performed surgical procedure to repair torn labrum and damaged ligaments of the glenohumeral joint. These injuries, often caused by trauma and shoulder dislocations, are especially common in athletes and active individuals. Without treatment, repeat dislocations and instability are highly likely. Physiotherapy is an essential part of the recovery journey. With a structured and progressive programme from Physio.co.uk, patients can achieve full recovery of movement, strength, stability, and functional use of the shoulder, ensuring a safe return to daily and sporting activities.
To arrange an assessment with AcephysioSports.com, please contact us or call +65 8153 5374. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online today!
Get treated today!
We have immediate appointments available today. Contact us to make an appointment.
Find out more »
We are open...
Our clinics are open:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
Find your nearest clinic
Acephysio Sports have clinics located throughout the Singapore.
Find out more »
