Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation Treatment: Why You Shouldn't Wait

Jan. 02, 2026

Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation Treatment: Why You Shouldn't Wait

Is your shoulder popping out while playing sports, or even during simple daily activities like sleeping? Recurrent shoulder dislocation is a common issue, especially among athletes, but ignoring it can lead to severe long-term damage. In this detailed guide, based on insights from Dr. Manu Bora, we explore why this happens, the dangers of delaying treatment, and why modern Arthroscopic Knotless Repair is the gold standard for recovery.

The Hidden Dangers of Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation

Many patients visit the clinic after their shoulder has dislocated multiple times sometimes 10, 20, or even 30 times. The common misconception is that it might "fix itself" or that one can just live with it. However, Dr. Manu Bora warns that every time your shoulder dislocates, it causes more damage.

Initially, a dislocation might only happen during a heavy fall or contact sport. But as the ligaments loosen and the bone wears away, the shoulder starts slipping out with minimal effort even while you are asleep. This state of constant instability doesn't just affect your sports performance; it compromises your daily life and safety. Imagine needing to defend yourself in an emergency but being unable to lift your arm because of the fear of dislocation.

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Understanding the Anatomy: The Bankart Lesion

To understand the treatment, you must understand the injury. The shoulder joint is like a ball and socket. Surrounding the socket (glenoid) is a bumper-like structure called the labrum.

When you dislocate your shoulder for the first time, this labrum often tears and falls down a condition known as a Bankart lesion. Once this "bumper" is gone, there is nothing stopping the ball (humerus) from slipping out of the socket repeatedly.

Why Early Surgery Saves Your Bone

The most critical reason to seek early treatment is bone loss. As the shoulder dislocates repeatedly, it chips away at the bone of the socket.

Less than 25% Bone Loss: If you catch the injury early (e.g., after fewer dislocations), the bone loss is usually minimal. In these cases, a minimally invasive Arthroscopic Bankart Repair is sufficient. This is a "keyhole" surgery with tiny incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery.
More than 25% Bone Loss: If you wait until your shoulder has dislocated 50 or 60 times, you likely have significant bone loss. In this scenario, keyhole surgery won't work. You will need an open surgery called the Latarjet procedure (Bone Block surgery), which involves cutting bone from elsewhere and screwing it into the shoulder. This is a much bigger surgery with more stiffness and restrictions post-op.

Unsure if you have bone loss? Send your MRI Report on WhatsApp now to confirm your diagnosis.

The Gold Standard: Arthroscopic Knotless Anchor Repair

For patients with minimal bone loss, Dr. Manu Bora utilizes the most advanced technique available: Arthroscopic Knotless Anchor Repair.

Why Knotless is Better: Old-school techniques used anchors with knots. These knots could rub against cartilage, causing pain or clicking sounds, and sometimes the knots would loosen or remain too tight.

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Modern Knotless Anchors (like FiberTape) are seamless. They go into the bone, the suture is tensioned perfectly to reattach the torn labrum, and locked in place without any protruding knots. This results in:

Stronger repair using high-strength tape
No irritation from knots
Better tissue healing

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery is a crucial part of the process. After the surgery, your muscles will naturally be slightly weaker due to the period of rest.

0–3 Weeks: Arm in a sling to protect the repair.
After 3 Weeks: Physiotherapy begins to regain movement.
4–5 Months: Strengthening exercises help you return to sports.

With the correct rehabilitation protocol, which Dr. Bora's team monitors weekly, you can expect a full return to activity without the fear of your shoulder popping out again.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is surgery always necessary for shoulder dislocation?

For recurrent dislocations, yes. Physical therapy cannot fix a torn labrum (Bankart lesion) that has detached from the bone. Surgery is needed to reattach it.

2. What is the difference between Bankart repair and Latarjet?

Bankart repair is a soft tissue repair done arthroscopically for patients with little bone loss. Latarjet is an open bone-block transfer surgery for patients with significant (>25%) bone loss.

3. How do I know if I have bone loss?

A CT scan or a 3D CT is usually required along with an MRI to accurately measure glenoid bone loss.

4. Can I play sports after this surgery?

Yes, the goal of Arthroscopic Knotless Repair is to return athletes to their sport. Most return to full contact sports within 4-6 months.

5. Are knotless anchors better than metal anchors?

Yes. Knotless anchors (often made of bio-composite material) do not irritate the joint like metal or knotted anchors can, and they allow for better tension control.

6. Is the surgery painful?

Arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive, resulting in significantly less pain compared to open surgery. Most patients are comfortable with oral painkillers for a few days.

7. How long will I wear a sling?

Typically, you will wear a sling for about 3 weeks to protect the repair while the tissue heals.

8. What happens if I ignore my shoulder dislocation?

You risk developing significant bone loss, arthritis, and nerve damage. It will eventually require more complex open surgery rather than a simple keyhole procedure.

9. Can I sleep without the sling?

It is recommended to sleep with the sling for the first few weeks to prevent accidental movements that could strain the repair.

10. What is a "Notless" anchor?

"Notless" refers to "Knotless" anchors. These devices secure the suture into the bone without tying a bulky knot on top of the tissue.

11. Is Dr. Manu Bora an expert in this surgery?

Yes, Dr. Manu Bora is a leading expert in Arthroscopic All-Inside ACL and Shoulder surgeries in India, utilizing the latest knotless technology.

12. How much does shoulder dislocation surgery cost in India?

The cost varies depending on the hospital and the implants used. It is best to contact Orthosport.in for an estimate.

13. Will my shoulder be stiff after surgery?

Some stiffness is normal initially but resolves with physiotherapy. In fact, early arthroscopic surgery prevents the long-term stiffness associated with open procedures.

14. Can the shoulder dislocate again after surgery?

With modern Knotless anchors and proper rehab, the recurrence rate is extremely low (<5%) compared to conservative treatment (which has >90% recurrence in young athletes).

15. Do I need to stay in the hospital?

Usually, this is a daycare or 1-night stay procedure. You can go home the next day.

16. What is the "bumper" in the shoulder?

The "bumper" refers to the Labrum, a ring of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket and prevents the ball from slipping out.

17. Why does my shoulder come out while sleeping?

If your ligaments are very loose and the labrum is torn, even the relaxed position of sleeping can allow the joint to slide out of place. This indicates severe instability.