Bony Bankart Lesion: Diagnosis, Management, and Outcomes

» Bony Bankart lesions are fractures of the anteroinferior glenoid rim, commonly associated with a traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation, and are diagnosed through radiological imaging and physical examination. Young male athletes playing contact sports are at highest risk of these injuries. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial because, if left untreated, recurrent anterior shoulder instability and glenoid bone loss can occur. Both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options are available depending on the size of the lesion, with arthroscopic repair being the most common treatment method. After repair, patients typically have favorable outcomes with low rates of recurrent instability. This review aims to discuss the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of bony Bankart lesions.» Bony Bankart lesions are fractures of the anteroinferior glenoid rim and occur in up to 22% of first-time anterior shoulder dislocations.» Young men involved in contact sports or combat training are at the highest risk of sustaining bony Bankart lesions.» Diagnosis and treatment of bony Bankart lesions are essential to prevent long-term shoulder instability.» Bony Bankart lesions can be treated either nonoperatively or operatively (arthroscopic vs open repair), with the size of the glenoid defect being the primary determinant of treatment.