ANTERIOR SHOULDER INSTABILITY
Bankart | Hill-Sachs | Bone Loss | Bankart vs Latarjet
BONE LOSS THRESHOLD
Critical Must-Knows
- Bankart lesion (labral tear) occurs in 90%+ of traumatic anterior dislocations
- Hill-Sachs lesion (humeral head defect) in 65-70% of first dislocations
- Greater than 25% glenoid bone loss = Latarjet or bone graft required
- Engaging Hill-Sachs increases recurrence - Latarjet or remplissage needed
- Age is strongest predictor of recurrence - 67% in under 20 years old
Examiner's Pearls
- "ISIS score predicts recurrence - greater than 6 suggests bony procedure
- "On-track vs off-track concept for Hill-Sachs engagement
- "Latarjet provides bone augmentation, sling effect, and capsular repair
- "Arthroscopic Bankart has higher recurrence than open in young athletes
Clinical Imaging
Imaging Gallery




Critical Exam Concepts
Bone Loss is KEY
Greater than 25% glenoid bone loss requires bony augmentation (Latarjet or bone graft). Simple Bankart will fail. Measure on CT with 3D reconstruction.
On-Track vs Off-Track
Off-track Hill-Sachs engages the glenoid and causes instability. Requires Latarjet or remplissage. On-track lesions do not engage and can be treated with Bankart.
Age Predicts Recurrence
Under 20 years: 67% recurrence. 20-40 years: 30-40%. Over 40: 10-15%. Young athletes with contact sports have highest recurrence after conservative treatment.
Latarjet Triple Effect
Latarjet provides: 1) Bone augmentation for glenoid, 2) Sling effect of conjoint tendon, 3) Capsulolabral repair. Addresses multiple pathologies.
Quick Decision Guide
| Clinical Scenario | Bone Loss | Recommended Procedure | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| First dislocation, non-athlete | Minimal | Conservative | Rehab, reassess if recurrent |
| Recurrent, young athlete | Less than 15% | Arthroscopic Bankart | Higher recurrence in contact sports |
| Recurrent, contact sport | 15-25% | Consider Latarjet | Especially if engaging Hill-Sachs |
| Significant bone loss | Greater than 25% | Latarjet | Bankart will fail |
| Off-track Hill-Sachs | Any | Latarjet or remplissage | Address engaging defect |
BONEBankart vs Latarjet Decision
Memory Hook:Check the BONE factors to decide Bankart vs Latarjet!
BSCLatarjet Triple Effect
Memory Hook:BSC - Latarjet gives Bone, Sling, and Capsular repair!
ABCDEFISIS Score Components
Memory Hook:ISIS score greater than 6 = consider Latarjet over arthroscopic Bankart!
Overview and Epidemiology
Age is the Strongest Predictor
Under 20 years: 67% recurrence after first dislocation. 20-40 years: 30-40%. Over 40: 10-15% (but higher rotator cuff tear risk). Young age and contact sports indicate early surgical consideration.
Epidemiology
- Most common major joint dislocation
- Incidence: 24/100,000/year
- Peak age: 15-25 years (males)
- Anterior = 95%, posterior = 2-4%
- Contact sports overrepresented
Mechanism
- Force to abducted, externally rotated arm
- Direct blow to posterior shoulder
- Fall on outstretched hand
- Sports: tackling, overhead throwing
- May be atraumatic in hyperlaxity
Pathophysiology and Mechanisms
Static Restraints
Glenohumeral ligaments: Primary static stabilizers.
IGHL (inferior glenohumeral ligament): Most important. Anterior band resists anterior translation in abduction/ER.
MGHL (middle): Variable anatomy. Resists anterior translation mid-range.
SGHL (superior): Resists inferior translation.
Labrum: Deepens glenoid by 50%, attachment for ligaments.
Bony Bankart vs Soft Tissue Bankart
Bony Bankart (glenoid fracture with labral avulsion) is associated with higher recurrence after arthroscopic repair than soft tissue Bankart. Consider Latarjet if significant bony fragment or greater than 15% glenoid bone loss.
Classification Systems
Glenoid Bone Loss Measurement

Best-fit circle method: 3D CT reconstruction. Fit circle to intact inferior glenoid. Measure deficiency.
Treatment thresholds:
- Less than 15%: Arthroscopic Bankart likely sufficient
- 15-25%: Gray zone - consider Latarjet especially with engaging Hill-Sachs
- Greater than 25%: Latarjet or bone graft required
Hill-Sachs assessment: Width and depth. Engaging vs non-engaging.
Clinical Assessment
History
- Mechanism: ABER position, direct blow
- Reduction: Spontaneous vs required reduction
- Number of dislocations: Recurrence pattern
- Sport level: Contact, overhead, competitive
- Age at first dislocation: Predicts recurrence
Examination
- Apprehension test: Positive with ABER
- Relocation test: Relief with posterior force
- Anterior load and shift: Grades translation
- Sulcus sign: Inferior laxity (positive if greater than 2cm)
- Generalized laxity: Beighton score
Apprehension-Relocation Test
Apprehension: Patient supine, arm abducted 90°, externally rotate. Positive = apprehension (not just pain). Relocation: Apply posterior force to humeral head. Relief of apprehension = positive. Most specific clinical test for anterior instability.
Key Examination Findings
Acute dislocation: Arm held in ER and abduction. Loss of deltoid contour. Humeral head palpable anteriorly.
After reduction: Assess for neurovascular injury (especially axillary nerve), rotator cuff integrity (over 40), and range of motion.

Investigations
Standard Views
AP true (Grashey view): Glenohumeral alignment.
Axillary lateral: Glenoid and humeral head relationship. Essential.
Scapular Y: Confirms dislocation direction.
West Point view: Anteroinferior glenoid (Bankart).
Stryker notch view: Hill-Sachs lesion visualization.
Radiographic Signs of Instability
Hill-Sachs visible on AP: Indicates significant lesion (engaged in ER). Glenoid loss visible on AP: Suggests greater than 20% bone loss. These simple radiograph findings prompt CT quantification.
Management Algorithm

First-Time Anterior Dislocation
Management Pathway
Closed reduction under sedation. Post-reduction radiographs. Assess neurovascular status (axillary nerve). Sling immobilization.
MRI: Assess labrum, rotator cuff. CT with 3D: Quantify bone loss. Essential for surgical planning.
Sling 3-6 weeks. Progressive ROM. Rotator cuff and periscapular strengthening. May be appropriate if: over 40 years old, low demand, no bone loss, non-contact sport.
Consider if: under 20 years old, contact sports, significant bone loss, in-season athlete. Reduces recurrence from 67% to less than 10%.
Surgical Technique
Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
Surgical Steps
Beach chair or lateral decubitus. Standard posterior viewing portal. Anterior portals for anchor placement.
Elevate labrum from glenoid neck. Decorticate glenoid rim to bleeding bone. Ensure adequate mobilization for tension-free repair.
3-4 anchors along anteroinferior glenoid rim (5 to 3 o-clock for right shoulder). Suture anchors or knotless.
Mattress or simple sutures through labrum. Restore labral bumper. Capsular plication if redundant.
Anchor Placement
Anchors must be placed ON the glenoid rim (not neck) at the articular margin. At least 3 anchors. The 5:30 position (6:30 left shoulder) is critical to address the IGHL attachment. Avoid suprascapular nerve with superior anchors.
Complications
| Complication | Procedure | Incidence | Prevention/Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recurrent instability | Bankart | 10-20% | Proper patient selection, technique |
| Recurrent instability | Latarjet | 0-5% | Rare if technique correct |
| Hardware complications | Latarjet | 5-7% | Proper screw placement, length |
| Graft non-union/lysis | Latarjet | 5% | Avoid over-medialization, good contact |
| Subscapularis weakness | Latarjet | Variable | Split (not tenotomy) preferred |
| Stiffness | Both | Variable | Early ROM, appropriate capsular tension |
| Nerve injury | Latarjet | Rare | Protect musculocutaneous and axillary |
Latarjet Failure Causes
Most common causes of Latarjet failure: Graft malposition (too lateral or medial), graft non-union, screw pullout, missed HAGL lesion. Meticulous technique and preoperative planning essential.
Postoperative Care
Rehabilitation Protocol
Sling immobilization. Elbow and hand exercises. Pendulum exercises only. No external rotation past neutral.
Wean sling. Gentle AROM. Limit external rotation (based on surgeon preference). Scapular stabilization exercises.
Full ROM by 12 weeks. Rotator cuff strengthening. Avoid apprehension positions.
Progressive resistance. Sport-specific training started. Avoid contact sports until 6 months (Latarjet may allow earlier).
Return to Sport
Bankart: Return to contact sports 6-9 months. Latarjet: Some allow earlier return (4-6 months) due to bony stability. Confirm graft healing on CT before high-risk activities.
Outcomes and Prognosis
Procedure-Specific Outcomes
Arthroscopic Bankart: 80-90% success in appropriate patients. Higher recurrence in young contact athletes, bone loss, and engaging Hill-Sachs.
Latarjet: 95-98% stability. Low recurrence even in high-risk groups. Some risk of OA long-term.
Prognostic Factors
Good prognosis: Older age, non-contact sport, minimal bone loss, first stabilization, compliant rehabilitation.
Poor prognosis: Age under 20, contact sports, significant bone loss, engaging Hill-Sachs, hyperlaxity, failed previous surgery.
Evidence Base and Key Studies
Age and Recurrence Risk
- 255 primary dislocations followed 25 years
- Age less than 22: 72% recurrence
- Age 23-29: 56% recurrence
- Age greater than 30: 27% recurrence
Bone Loss Threshold
- Cadaveric study of glenoid bone loss
- 20% bone loss causes significant instability
- 25% bone loss leads to failure of Bankart repair
- Bony procedure recommended greater than 20-25%
Glenoid Track Concept
- Defined glenoid track for Hill-Sachs assessment
- Off-track lesions engage and cause instability
- On-track lesions do not engage
- Guides need for Hill-Sachs treatment
Latarjet vs Bankart in Contact Athletes
- Systematic review and meta-analysis
- Latarjet: 3.4% recurrence in contact athletes
- Bankart: 13.4% recurrence in contact athletes
- Latarjet superior in high-risk athletes
ISIS Score Validation
- Instability Severity Index Score developed
- 10-point scale predicting recurrence
- ISIS greater than 6: 70% recurrence after Bankart
- Guides selection for Latarjet
Exam Viva Scenarios
Practice these scenarios to excel in your viva examination
Scenario 1: Young Athlete First Dislocation
"An 18-year-old rugby player presents after his first anterior shoulder dislocation during a tackle. He required reduction in the emergency department. Radiographs show no fracture. How would you manage this?"
Scenario 2: Recurrent Instability with Bone Loss
"A 24-year-old AFL player has had 5 anterior dislocations over 3 years. CT shows 22% glenoid bone loss and an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion. What would you recommend?"
Scenario 3: Failed Bankart Repair
"A 22-year-old had arthroscopic Bankart repair 2 years ago but has had 3 further dislocations. CT shows the anchors are in place but there is now 18% glenoid bone loss. What is your approach?"
MCQ Practice Points
Bone Loss Threshold
Q: Above what percentage of glenoid bone loss is Latarjet/bony procedure required? A: Greater than 25%. At this level, Bankart repair will fail. 15-25% is the gray zone where engaging Hill-Sachs tips toward Latarjet.
Age and Recurrence
Q: What is the recurrence rate after first dislocation in patients under 20? A: 67%. Young age is the strongest predictor of recurrence. This justifies early surgical consideration in young athletes.
Latarjet Triple Effect
Q: What are the three stabilizing effects of the Latarjet procedure? A: 1) Bone block augmenting glenoid, 2) Sling effect of conjoint tendon, 3) Capsular repair to the bone block.
IGHL Function
Q: Which ligament is the primary static restraint to anterior translation? A: Inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) - specifically the anterior band when the arm is abducted and externally rotated.
Bankart Lesion
Q: What percentage of traumatic anterior dislocations have a Bankart lesion? A: Greater than 90%. The anteroinferior labrum avulses with the IGHL attachment in almost all traumatic dislocations.
On-Track vs Off-Track
Q: What does an off-track Hill-Sachs lesion indicate? A: The Hill-Sachs engages the glenoid rim during movement, causing instability. Requires Latarjet or remplissage rather than simple Bankart.
Australian Context
Clinical Practice
- Arthroscopic Bankart widely performed
- Open Latarjet at specialist centres
- Arthroscopic Latarjet gaining popularity
- CT 3D reconstruction routine for bone loss
- High proportion of contact sport athletes
Funding and Access
- CT and MRI readily accessible
- Public system wait times variable
- Private insurance covers most procedures
- Return to sport emphasis in athletes
- Arthroscopic Latarjet growing in availability
Orthopaedic Exam Relevance
Anterior shoulder instability is a common viva topic. Be prepared to: quantify bone loss, explain on-track vs off-track concept, articulate Bankart vs Latarjet decision algorithm, describe surgical techniques, and know the ISIS score.
ANTERIOR SHOULDER INSTABILITY
High-Yield Exam Summary
Pathoanatomy
- •Bankart lesion in greater than 90% of dislocations
- •Hill-Sachs in 65-70% of first dislocations
- •IGHL is primary static restraint
- •Subscapularis is key dynamic stabilizer
- •Bony Bankart reduces glenoid surface area
Bone Loss Thresholds
- •Less than 15%: Arthroscopic Bankart likely sufficient
- •15-25%: Gray zone - consider Latarjet if engaging HS
- •Greater than 25%: Latarjet or bone graft required
- •Off-track HS: Latarjet or remplissage
- •Critical bone loss dramatically increases recurrence
Age and Recurrence
- •Under 20 years: 67% recurrence
- •20-40 years: 30-40% recurrence
- •Over 40 years: 10-15% (but cuff tears)
- •Young age = strongest predictor
- •Male gender increases risk further
Latarjet Triple Effect (BSC)
- •Bone block: Augments glenoid
- •Sling effect: Conjoint tendon dynamics
- •Capsular repair: Capsule sutured to block
- •Benefits: Addresses bone loss and prevents engagement
- •Ideal for high-risk contact athletes
ISIS Score greater than 6 = Consider Latarjet
- •Age less than 20: 2 points
- •Bony lesion on XR: 2 points
- •Contact sport: 1-2 points
- •Engaging Hill-Sachs: 2 points
- •Shoulder hyperlaxity: 1 point
Outcomes
- •Bankart: 10-20% recurrence overall
- •Latarjet: 0-5% recurrence
- •Latarjet superior in high-risk groups
- •Both have high patient satisfaction
- •Open Latarjet has higher complication rate than Bankart