Bankart Lesion: A Narrative Review of Anatomy, Pathophysiology, Clinical Evaluation, and Contemporary Management

Abstract

Background: Bankart lesion is a traumatic detachment of the anteroinferior labrum and capsulolabral complex from the anteroinferior glenoid rim, commonly associated with anterior glenohumeral dislocation and recurrent shoulder instability. Failure to recognise and appropriately manage this lesion may result in recurrent dislocation, chronic pain, functional impairment, progressive glenoid bone loss, and long-term shoulder dysfunction. Aims: This review aims to summarise the current evidence regarding the anatomy, epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and contemporary management strategies of Bankart lesions. Methodology: A narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed literature retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Semantic Scholar. Relevant articles addressing shoulder anatomy, Bankart lesion variants, epidemiology, mechanisms of injury, clinical manifestations, imaging modalities, treatment options, surgical techniques, complications, prognosis, limitations, and future directions were reviewed and synthesised descriptively. Results: Current evidence indicates that Bankart lesions should be evaluated as part of the broader spectrum of anterior shoulder instability, including soft-tissue injury, bony Bankart lesions, glenoid bone loss, Hill-Sachs lesions, and patient-specific recurrence risk. Diagnosis requires integration of clinical history, physical examination, and imaging studies, with MRI and MR arthrography useful for labral pathology and CT valuable for osseous defects. Management ranges from conservative rehabilitation to surgical stabilisation, depending on instability severity, patient activity level, associated bone loss, and lesion morphology. Conclusion: Bankart lesion is a clinically important cause of recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Accurate recognition of lesion morphology, associated bone loss, and patient-specific recurrence risk is essential for selecting appropriate treatment and optimising long-term functional outcomes.