What is a Bankart and Reverse Bankart Tear?

Your labrum is anatomically divided into several compartments including anterior (bankart) and posterior (reverse bankart).

Bankart Lesions

Bankart lesions occur to the anterior portion of the labrum. Picture the labrum as a clock, bankart lesions are from the 2 o’clock to 6 o’clock position. This results when the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) translates anterior (forward) out or off the socket (glenoid) causing the fibrous tissue (labrum) to tear. Occasional a forceful subluxation or dislocation can cause on osseous bankart. This is a tear of the anterior labrum and fracture of the glenoid. Symptoms can include pain throughout the shoulder, feelings of instability, popping and grinding. With this type of injury activities, overhead such as throwing a ball or reaching to your side can be problematic.

Reverse Bankart

Reverse bankart lesions occur to the posterior portion of the labrum. Picture the labrum as a clock, reverse bankart lesions are from the 6 o’clock to 11 o’clock position. This results when the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) translates posterior (backward) out or off the socket (glenoid) causing the fibrous tissue (labrum) to tear. Symptoms can include pain throughout the shoulder, feelings of instability, popping and grinding. This type of injury can occur with activities such as performing a bench press, stiff arm blocking in football and lacrosse or a motor vehicle accident while holding onto the steering wheel. Symptoms can range from decreased range of motion, pain, and instability, catching, popping and grinding. These symptoms usually occur with activities overhead or away from your chest.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be determined by a thorough history and physical examination by a trained sports medicine and orthopedic shoulder specialist. Once the initial diagnosis has been made through special anatomical testing, an MRI arthrogram (3 dimensional picture with contrast injection) may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and assist in determining the severity of the tissue injury. Occasionally, X-rays of the shoulder complex will be ordered to determine if any bony conditions exist prior to your MRI arthrogram.

Treatments

Treatments can include conservative versus surgical management. A specific individualized treatment program will be created from your thorough history, physical examination, and radiological testing. Conservative management can consist of anti-inflammatory medications, a cortisone injection, orthobiologics, physical therapy and/or rest. Surgical management may be recommend pending the severity of the damage to the labrum. Labral tears are surgically repaired though a