A labrum tear from a shoulder dislocation
A Bankart tear is an injury to the front of the shoulder's labrum that almost always follows an anterior shoulder dislocation and predisposes the shoulder to recurrent instability. Same-day or next-day evaluations across eight LA-area offices.
Board-certified surgeons and podiatrists across eight Los Angeles area neighborhoods.
Key takeaways
A Bankart tear is an injury to the front of the shoulder's labrum that almost always follows an anterior shoulder dislocation and predisposes the shoulder to recurrent instability. Afterward, the shoulder may feel loose or slip out again in certain arm positions, so early evaluation matters.
A Bankart tear usually follows a shoulder dislocation. Some patients, especially those who are older or less active, do well with physical therapy that strengthens the muscles around the joint. Because the torn labrum does not reliably heal back in place, younger and more active patients have a high chance of repeat dislocations, and arthroscopic repair is often recommended for them.
Below, we walk through the anatomy involved, the symptoms and causes we most often see, how we diagnose a Bankart tear, and the full range of treatment options, from the simplest to the most involved.
If you have pain in your shoulder, you may have a torn labrum. That's the thick band of tissue that goes around your shoulder socket. It helps make the socket deeper. It cushions the bone of your upper arm and keeps it from slipping.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which makes it vulnerable to instability and impingement. The elbow is a hinge that lets you reach, lift, and rotate the forearm. Both rely on tendons and ligaments that can tear or fray over time.
You want answers, fast, and we're built to give them. Most patients leave their first LAOSS visit with a clear diagnosis and a written plan, not another referral chain.
Here's what your initial visit for a Bankart tear typically looks like:
Schedule your evaluation at the LAOSS office nearest you.
Once we've confirmed the diagnosis, the next step is matching the right treatment to your situation. We start with the least-invasive option that fits, and escalate only when it doesn't.
Non-surgical options designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid the OR when possible.
Minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons.
Shoulder & elbow care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you actually feel six months later.
Our shoulder & elbow specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits your situation, escalate only when it doesn't.
If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a shoulder & elbow specialist is the next step.
These signs typically point toward an in-person evaluation with a shoulder & elbow specialist.
Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.
ImportantSeek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, numbness, progressive weakness, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).
Recovery is rarely a straight line, but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.
In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the shoulder & elbow, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.
Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the shoulder & elbow.
Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there, and catching any recurrence early.
We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient. Informed consent is a conversation, not a form.
Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.
Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating in the shoulder & elbow. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.
At LAOSS, our shoulder & elbow specialists are board-certified and treat these problems every day. From minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to joint replacement and arthritis management, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. We have cared for Los Angeles patients since 2007, with one goal for each: less pain, better movement, and a return to the activities you love.
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Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon
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Total Joint & Sports Medicine
Don't let a Bankart tear be something you just power through. With same- or next-day appointments at multiple Los Angeles locations, you'll never wait weeks or months for answers. The same team handles your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Whether you need physical therapy or surgery, we plan it with you and coordinate each step.
Call or schedule online today to see a shoulder & elbow specialist in Los Angeles.
Book a visit with a shoulder & elbow specialist at any of our eight Los Angeles-area offices.
