How does shoulder stabilisation surgery work?

The surgeon examines the socket, cartilage rim, ligaments and nearby bone. With keyhole surgery, small instruments and a camera are used; some patients need an open approach. A Bankart repair reattaches the torn rim and ligaments to the socket using small suture anchors. When bone loss or repeated dislocation changes the joint shape, a Latarjet procedure may move a piece of bone to the front of the socket to create extra support.

The aim is a stable shoulder with useful movement, although stiffness, discomfort and a risk of recurrent instability can occur. The exact repair depends on the direction of instability, previous injuries, activity demands and imaging findings.

Before surgery, discuss medicines, smoking, other health conditions and the rehabilitation schedule. Afterward, a sling commonly protects the repair while the tissues begin to heal. Your physiotherapist then guides gentle movement, followed by exercises for strength, coordination and shoulder control. Do not lift, push, pull or return to overhead sport until your surgical team clears those activities. Learn more about [Shoulder Stabilisation Surgery](/treatments/sports-and-arthroscopic-surgery/shoulder-stabilisation-surgery/) and [Suture Anchor](/materials/suture-anchor/).

Contact your surgical team urgently for increasing redness, wound drainage, fever, uncontrolled pain, new hand weakness, persistent numbness, a pale or cold hand, or a shoulder that suddenly looks out of position. A new injury or a feeling that the shoulder has slipped should also be assessed promptly. [Shoulder Dislocation](/conditions/shoulder-dislocation/) and [Shoulder Instability](/conditions/shoulder-instability/) explain related problems.

Ask which structure is damaged, whether keyhole or open surgery is suitable, how long the sling is needed, which movements are restricted, and what milestones guide driving, work and sport.