SHOULDER

Posterior shoulder instability – Arthroscopic repair using the posterior Bankart procedure with McLaughlin filling

In cases of posterior instability with a tear of the posterior glenoid labrum (posterior Bankart) and an anteromedial notch in the humeral head (reverse Hill-Sachs lesion), arthroscopic repair may be recommended. This procedure combines reattachment of the posterior labrum using anchors to restore shoulder stability, and filling of the humeral notch using the McLaughlin technique, which involves fixing the subscapularis tendon into the bony defect to prevent it from catching on the glenoid rim.

The aim is to reduce the risk of recurrence, relieve pain and enable a gradual return to normal activities following a period of immobilisation followed by appropriate rehabilitation. As with any surgery, there are risks of stiffness, recurrence of instability, persistent pain, nerve or vascular damage, infection, and failure of wound healing, which in rare cases may require a repeat operation.