After Bankart repair surgery, patients are required to spend a night in the hospital and are discharged the following day if no complications occur. Patients are provided pain relief medicine to alleviate discomfort and antibiotics to prevent infections.
Several key factors are analyzed to determine the proper course for post-operative rehabilitation, including:
After being discharged, patients will have to keep their shoulder immobilized in a sling between 3 to 6 weeks, and the stitches will be removed 10 to 14 days following the operation. To prevent the shoulder from locking, physicians will prescribe light and passive exercises to improve the joint's mobility.
After 4 to 6 weeks, physicians will focus on exercises that increase the shoulder's flexibility and range of motion. At this stage, patients may begin performing daily activities like driving which would've not been possible with an immobilized shoulder.
During the last phase of rehab lasting between 6 to 12 weeks, patients will be instructed to carry out exercises meant to stabilize the joint and strengthen the shoulder muscles. Though athletes can commence sport-specific routines after 12 weeks, full recovery usually lasts up to 6 months after the operation.