Anterior Shoulder Stabilisation Info Evidence Consent
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Reaching up to grab a heavy grocery bag can suddenly feel risky when the shoulder joint slips out of place. This anterior shoulder instability often develops after repeated dislocations, making everyday movements feel unpredictable. Non-surgical treatments like therapy and bracing may not provide enough relief for active individuals. The operation aims to repair the front of the joint so it stops slipping out of place. Most people find they can move freely again without the constant fear of the shoulder giving way. You will need to fast for six hours before the procedure and pause any blood thinning medicines as directed. A friend or family member must arrange to drive you home, as driving is not permitted. Please wear loose clothing and bring a full list of your current medications. You will likely undergo a plain radiograph, a magnetic resonance imaging scan, blood tests, and an anaesthetic review beforehand. These checks allow the team to see the full picture of your shoulder and help keep you safe. The surgeon performs this procedure using a keyhole approach around the shoulder. Two or three small cuts are made to insert a tiny camera and special instruments. The surgeon carefully reattaches the torn tissue and ligaments back to the bone. Small anchors are placed to hold the repair, with at least four points spaced five to eight millimetres apart. If necessary, a small piece of bone may be moved to create a protective barrier. The incisions are then closed with stitches or glue, and a dressing covers the area. You will wake in a recovery ward with a sling and dressings in place. Pain is managed with general medicines, and most people feel noticeably better within a few days. You can usually return home the same day, though some patients stay overnight. A friend or family member must stay with you for the first twenty four hours. Your physiotherapist will guide you through gentle exercises, starting with small movements to prevent stiffness. As comfort improves, you will gradually add stretching and strengthening while avoiding heavy lifting. Your care team monitors your progress closely to spot any early changes. Occasionally the shoulder may feel less secure or slip out of place, particularly after contact sports. Persistent weakness or difficulty moving the arm should be discussed at your next review. Deep, throbbing pain that does not settle with simple medicines requires an immediate call to the clinic. You should also seek urgent care for fever, increasing redness, or any sudden shortness of breath. Your surgeon and therapist will adjust your plan as you work toward building strength.
Arthroscopic Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability — distinct from open Latarjet.
Why this operation has been suggested
This operation, called anterior shoulder stabilisation, is a keyhole surgery that repairs the front of your shoulder joint to stop it from slipping out of place. Your surgeon likely suggested this because non-surgical treatments like therapy and bracing have not given you enough improvement. You may be a young, active person or an athlete who has had repeated dislocations. While the results are less predictable for contact sports, the surgery aims to restore stability so you can move freely without fear of the shoulder giving way again.
Before the operation
Please fast for six hours before your surgery and stop any blood-thinning medicines as your surgeon instructs. Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home, as you cannot drive yourself. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a complete list of all current medications. You will likely need an X-ray, MRI, blood tests, and an anaesthetic review before the day of surgery. These checks help your surgeon see the full picture of your shoulder and ensure you are safe for the procedure. Your surgeon will perform this operation using an arthroscopic approach, which uses two or three small incisions and a tiny camera inside the joint.
On the day
You will arrive at the hospital and meet your surgeon and the anaesthetist. This operation is done under general anaesthetic combined with a regional nerve block. You will be fully asleep for the operation, and the block — an injection that numbs the nerves supplying the arm before you wake up — provides pain relief for the first 12 to 24 hours after surgery. The anaesthetist will meet you before the operation and talk you through both parts.
You will then go into the operating theatre. Your surgeon performs this as an arthroscopic (keyhole) approach with two or three small incisions and a small camera inside the joint. You will wake up in recovery feeling groggy, with the numbing injection still working to keep you comfortable.
What the operation involves
Your surgeon will perform this surgery using a keyhole approach. They will make two or three small cuts, each about 1 cm long, around your shoulder. Through these tiny openings, they insert a small camera and special instruments to see inside your joint.
Your surgeon will reattach the torn tissue and ligaments back to the bone. To hold these repairs in place, they will use small anchors. The evidence suggests using at least four anchor points to ensure the shoulder stays stable. These anchors are placed about 5 to 8 mm apart. If needed, they may also move a piece of bone to create a barrier that prevents the shoulder from slipping out again.
Once the repair is complete, your surgeon will close the small cuts with stitches or glue. They will then cover the area with a dressing. This entire process is designed to restore stability to your shoulder joint using these precise, minimally invasive steps.
After the operation
You will wake up in a recovery ward. Your surgeon uses small keyhole incisions with a tiny camera inside your shoulder. You will have a sling and dressings on your shoulder. Pain is managed with general medicines. You can usually go home the same day, but some patients stay overnight. You must have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours. You can move your fingers and elbow gently right away. Your surgeon will tell you exactly when to start moving your shoulder. Most people feel better within a few days.
Recovery
You will have two or three small cuts for this keyhole surgery. Your shoulder will feel stiff and sore for the first few days. Swelling is normal and will slowly go down. You will wear a sling to protect your shoulder while it heals. This helps you sleep more comfortably at night.
Your physiotherapist will guide you through gentle exercises to move your arm. You will start with small movements to prevent stiffness. As your pain eases, you will do more stretching and strengthening. You can return to light home tasks once your surgeon says it is safe. You must avoid heavy lifting or sudden movements until you are cleared.
Your recovery path is unique to you. Some people feel better quickly, while others take more time. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will watch your progress and adjust your plan. Trust their advice as you work toward getting your strength back.
What can go wrong
Most patients do well, but problems can occasionally happen. Your surgeon and the team monitor you closely to spot any issue early.
Sometimes the shoulder feels unstable again. You might notice the joint slipping out of place or a feeling that it is not secure. This can happen even after surgery, especially if you play contact sports. If this occurs, contact your surgeon immediately to discuss your options.
In some cases, the shoulder may not feel as strong as before. You might find it harder to use your dominant arm for daily tasks or sports. If you notice persistent weakness or difficulty moving your arm, bring this up at your next review.
You may experience pain that does not settle with simple painkillers. This could signal that the repair is not healing as expected. If the pain is deep, throbbing, or gets worse, call the clinic right away.
If you have had a first-time dislocation, surgery helps reduce the risk of it happening again. However, if you have had multiple dislocations before the operation, the risk of it returning is higher. Your surgeon selects the best technique for you to minimize this risk.
The complications table on this page lists typical rates if you want the specifics.
When to call us
Call us if you have a fever, increasing redness, or discharge from your wounds. Go to emergency if you feel sudden severe pain, calf swelling, or shortness of breath. Contact us immediately if you lose sensation or cannot move your arm. These signs need urgent assessment to protect your recovery.
Evidence & references
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