Bankart Lesion Glenoid Labrum Tear

Overview

A Bankart lesion is a tear of the labrum, a ring of tough cartilage that surrounds the cup-like socket of the shoulder joint. It usually happens when the shoulder dislocates (pops out of joint), causing the labrum to pull away from the socket. This can make the shoulder feel loose or unstable.

It is one of the most common shoulder injuries in people who have had a shoulder dislocation, especially in younger and more active people.

Bankart lesions most often affect athletes, people in their teens and twenties, and anyone who has had a shoulder dislocation or repeated shoulder injuries.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Dull aching pain in the shoulder, often felt at the front
• A feeling that the shoulder is slipping or 'giving way'
• Shakiness or instability when moving the arm over your head
• Catching, clicking, or popping sensations in the shoulder
• Weakness in the shoulder or arm, especially with lifting or throwing

Symptoms in children

• Children often feel the same pain and instability, but they may not describe it clearly.
• They may avoid using the arm for certain activities like throwing or climbing.
• If a child has a shoulder injury, it is important to get it checked rather than waiting to see if it heals on its own.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may notice more stiffness and aching, sometimes along with weakness.
• The feeling of instability may be less obvious, but daily activities like reaching or lifting can become harder.
• Because aging shoulders are more prone to other wear-and-tear changes, the symptoms can be less specific.

Causes

Main causes

• A direct blow to the shoulder, often during contact sports
• Falling on an outstretched arm or shoulder
• Forcefully wrenching the arm in an awkward position
• Repeated shoulder strain that slowly stretches or tears the labrum over time

Risk factors

• Playing sports like rugby, football, hockey, or wrestling
• Having a history of shoulder dislocation
• Having naturally loose joints (ligamentous laxity)
• Being young and physically active, especially under age 25

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You cannot move your shoulder after an injury
• Your shoulder looks deformed or you suspect it has dislocated
• You feel numbness or a loss of blood flow in your arm or hand
• Pain is severe and getting worse

Book a routine appointment if:

• Your shoulder keeps feeling loose, slipping, or catching
• You have shoulder pain that does not settle after a few days
• You have had multiple shoulder dislocations or near-dislocations
• You want a proper diagnosis before returning to sports

Diagnosis

A doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and any injuries, then examine your shoulder to check its range of motion, strength, and stability. They may also test for looseness by moving your shoulder in specific ways.

Tests that may be done

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – gives a detailed picture of the labrum and other soft tissues
• Magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) – an MRI with a contrast dye injected into the joint to show tears more clearly
• Computed tomography (CT) arthrogram – a special CT scan with contrast, sometimes used if surgery is being planned
• Arthroscopy – a camera inserted through a small cut, used both to diagnose and, at the same time, repair the tear

What to expect at your appointment

You may be referred to an orthopaedic specialist or a sports medicine clinic. The examination is usually quick and painless, although the doctor may press on certain areas. Imaging tests are often needed to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.

Treatment

Treatment for a Bankart lesion starts conservatively. That means resting the shoulder, taking simple pain relief if needed, and doing a structured physiotherapy program to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder. If physiotherapy does not restore stability, or if you are a young athlete with recurrent dislocations, surgery may be recommended.

Self-care at home

• Rest the shoulder for a few days and avoid heavy lifting or throwing movements
• Apply ice packs to reduce pain and swelling, but never place ice directly on the skin
• Keep your shoulder gently moving with pain-free range-of-motion exercises as advised by your physiotherapist
• Avoid positions that make the shoulder feel like it is slipping, such as reaching back or across the body

Medical treatments

For pain and inflammation, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, but always check with them first. Physiotherapy is the main non-surgical treatment. It focuses on strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles to compensate for the injured labrum. In some cases, a doctor may suggest a corticosteroid injection to ease severe pain, but this does not repair the tear — it only helps with symptoms.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually considered when the shoulder remains unstable despite good physiotherapy, when the labrum tear is large, or when you are young and active and want to return to contact sports. The most common procedure is arthroscopic labral repair, where the torn labrum is re-attached to the socket with small anchors. Your orthopaedic surgeon will explain the benefits, risks, and recovery time.

Living with this condition

During recovery, you will need to avoid any movement that could stress the healing labrum. Do not rush back to activities like throwing, swimming, or weightlifting. Use your shoulder for simple daily tasks, but listen to your body and stop if you feel sharp pain.

Lifestyle tips

• Use proper technique when lifting objects or playing sports
• Avoid sleeping on the injured shoulder until it feels stable
• Take regular breaks from repetitive shoulder movements
• Work with a physiotherapist to learn safe strengthening exercises

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals supports healing. Gentle aerobic exercise, such as walking or cycling with your arms relaxed, helps maintain fitness. But avoid any sport or gym activity that involves the shoulder until your physiotherapist gives you the go-ahead.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A shoulder injury can be frustrating, especially if you are active or play sports. You may feel anxious about re-injuring your shoulder. These feelings are normal. It can help to set small goals and focus on slow, steady progress.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent an accident, but you can lower your risk. Regular exercises that strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve balance are the best protection. If you play contact sports, learn safe fall techniques and strengthening routines specific to your sport.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for a Bankart lesion, but it is sensible to keep your tetanus vaccination up to date after any open wound or deep cut near the shoulder.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for this injury. However, if you have had a shoulder dislocation, follow up with your doctor or physiotherapist to assess your shoulder instability and reduce the risk of future injuries.

Complications

If left untreated

• Repeat shoulder dislocations, which can cause further nerve or bone damage
• Chronic shoulder instability or a lasting feeling of looseness
• Wearing down of the shoulder joint cartilage, leading to arthritis over time

Long-term outlook

With the right treatment, most people recover well and return to their usual activities. Physiotherapy helps many people avoid surgery. If you do need surgery, the success rates are generally high, although a full recovery can take a few months. Your healthcare team will guide you through each stage so you can regain strength and confidence.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.