The shoulder is the most mobile—and therefore the most unstable—joint in the body. Repeated dislocations can lead to:

• Labral tears (Bankart lesions)

• Stretched or damaged ligaments

• Bone loss on the glenoid (socket) or humeral head

• Weakness and persistent fear of dislocation

When non-surgical treatments fail, surgical stabilization becomes the best option.

1. Bankart Repair (Arthroscopic Stabilization)

What It Is

A minimally invasive procedure that repairs the torn labrum and tightens the capsule to prevent the shoulder from slipping out again.

Ideal For

• First-time or early recurrent dislocations

• Soft-tissue Bankart lesions

• Athletes with minimal bone loss

• Young active individuals

How It Works

• The torn labrum is reattached using suture anchors

• Stretched ligaments are tightened

• The normal anatomy of the shoulder is restored

Benefits

• Minimally invasive (keyhole surgery)

• Faster recovery and less pain

• High success rate for soft-tissue instability

• Maintains natural shoulder anatomy

2. Bone Block Procedure

What It Is

A reconstructive surgery used when the socket (glenoid) has lost bone from repeated dislocations. A bone graft is used to rebuild the lost bone, restoring stability.

Ideal For

• Significant glenoid bone loss

• Failed previous stabilization surgeries

• Contact athletes with high risk of re-dislocation

How It Works

• Bone graft (from iliac crest or distal tibia) is placed onto the deficient glenoid

• Screws or fixation devices secure the bone block

• Increases the size and depth of the socket

Benefits

• Strong, reliable stabilization

• Dramatically lower recurrence rates

• Effective even in severe or chronic instability cases

3. Latarjet Surgery

What It Is

A specialized bone block procedure where a portion of the coracoid bone is transferred to the front of the shoulder socket to prevent dislocation.

Ideal For

• High-demand athletes (rugby, kabaddi, weightlifting)

• Recurrent dislocations with bone loss

• Patients who failed previous Bankart repairs

• Chronic shoulder instability

How It Works

• The coracoid bone and attached muscles are transferred

• Fixed to the front of the glenoid

• Provides a triple stability effect:

  1. Bone block increases socket size

  2. Muscle sling prevents the shoulder from slipping

  3. Ligament repair adds reinforcement

Benefits

• One of the most reliable surgeries for shoulder instability

• Extremely low recurrence rates

• Excellent option for contact sports and heavy activity