Analysis of Bankart lesion in the recurrent dislocation or subluxation of the shoulder.

The Bankart repair was used to restore anterior stability to 50 patients (51 shoulders) with recurrent dislocation or subluxation of the shoulder. The patients had preoperative diagnostic testing to determine the presence and extent of a Bankart lesion. At surgery, the Bankart lesion was carefully observed for its location, and extent of involvement of associated structures. The intraoperative findings of the severity of the Bankart lesion were compared with the preoperative data. The glenoidal fossa was considered like a clock, and the location and severity of the Bankart lesion was expressed by the hour of the clock. The Bankart lesion most frequently occurred from two o'clock to six o'clock in the right shoulder, and from six o'clock to ten o'clock in the left shoulder. The region of the glenohumeral joint at highest risk of exhibiting pathology after recurrent dislocation or subluxation of the shoulder was usually located from the central anterior edge of the glenohumeral joint to the inferior margin. Arthrogram with computed tomography was the most useful preoperative diagnostic test to demonstrate the Bankart lesion. The greatest number of inferior postoperative results were observed in patients with Bankart lesions of large size.