Shoulder & elbow · Instability surgery

Bankart labral repair

Arthroscopic Bankart labral repair uses Q-FIX™ knotless anchor technology to reattach the torn anterior labrum and restore shoulder stability after dislocation. Consultations with our fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later. Sling immobilization is typically 4–6 weeks, with progressive range of motion through 3–4 months and return to contact sport typically at 4–6 months.

At Pathway, our fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons perform bankart labral repair. Consultations are available in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later.

Book a consultation (647) 799-3230

Arthroscopic — small incisions
Q-FIX™ knotless anchors
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

Patient playing pickleball after shoulder instability surgery recovery

5.0 from 250+ reviews

Q-FIX™ knotless anchors

At a glance

Arthroscopic Bankart labral repair uses Q-FIX™ knotless anchor technology to reattach the torn anterior labrum and restore shoulder stability after dislocation.

Arthroscopic — small incisions
Q-FIX™ knotless anchors
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

Patient stories

Recovery, in their words.

5.0 from 250+ patient reviews

I saw Dr. Pauyo for shoulder surgery and am almost 4 weeks post-op. He was very thorough with a physical exam, requesting extra imaging and pre-surgery physiotherapy. My recovery so far has been very smooth. Pathway handled my payments and scheduling, and they were very responsive, detail oriented, and friendly!

Sin Yee

Shoulder labral repair

What is shoulder labral repair?

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket (glenoid), deepening it and providing stability. When the labrum tears — often from a shoulder dislocation or repetitive overhead motion — it can cause instability, pain, and a feeling that the shoulder might “slip out.”

A Bankart repair is an arthroscopic procedure that reattaches the torn labrum to the socket using small anchors with sutures. This restores the normal anatomy and helps prevent further dislocations.

Common indications

Shoulder dislocation or subluxation
Recurrent shoulder instability
SLAP tears (superior labrum)
Pain with overhead activities

Anchor technology

Q-FIX™ knotless anchor system.

Advanced all-suture anchor for secure, low-profile labral fixation.

Our surgeons use the Q-FIX™ knotless anchor system, an advanced all-suture anchor for secure, low-profile labral fixation.

Knotless design — removes the need for bulky knots for a smoother repair
All-suture anchor — minimal bone removal with strong fixation
Secure fixation — holds the labrum in place during healing

Q-FIX™ Knotless Anchor System

An all-suture anchor placed along the socket rim. Sutures secure the torn labrum back to bone in its normal position while it heals.

What to expect

The procedure.

Bankart repair is performed arthroscopically in four main steps.

1

Arthroscopic access

Small incisions allow camera and instrument access to the joint
2

Surface preparation

The torn labrum and socket edge are cleaned to promote healing
3

Anchor placement

Q-FIX anchors with sutures are placed along the socket rim
4

Labrum reattachment

Sutures secure the labrum back to bone in its normal position

Your surgeons

Our Bankart repair specialists.

Fellowship-trained shoulder & upper-extremity surgeons.

Dr. Bashar Alolabi

Shoulder & upper extremity

Dr. Jihad Abouali

Shoulder sports medicine

Dr. Thierry Pauyo

Hip, knee & shoulder sports medicine

Read full surgeon profiles

Your recovery

Recovery after Bankart repair.

4–6 weeks
1

4–6 weeks

Sling

Protect the repair
6–12 weeks
2

6–12 weeks

Motion

Restore range of motion
3–4 months
3

3–4 months

Strengthening

Rebuild shoulder stability
4–6 months
4

4–6 months

Return to sport

With surgeon clearance

4–6 weeks

Sling

Protect the repair

3–4 months

Strengthening

Rebuild shoulder stability

4–6 months

Return to sport

With surgeon clearance

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

A Bankart repair is an arthroscopic procedure that reattaches the torn labrum to the shoulder socket using small anchors with sutures. This restores the normal anatomy and helps prevent further dislocations.

Common indications include shoulder dislocation or subluxation, recurrent shoulder instability, SLAP tears of the superior labrum, and pain with overhead activities. Your surgeon will review your imaging to confirm the diagnosis.

Sling immobilization is typically 4-6 weeks, with range of motion restored over 6-12 weeks and progressive strengthening through 3-4 months. Return to contact sport is typically at 4-6 months, with surgeon clearance.

No referral is required. You can book a consultation with our surgeons directly.

Bankart labral repair

Recovery, in their words.