Clicking sensation in shoulder after Arthroscopic Bankart Repair

Hi everyone, I'm kinda new here so I'm not exactly sure how to describe all this but I'll try.

Basically, I tore my labrum last September (2010) and went to see the GP but was initially told that it was a sprain. So, I only realized that it was a tear this year after seeing a specialist and on feb 10 had a bankart repair.

3 weeks later I had physiotherapy and the specialist told me that mine was a bankart lesion (I did not dislocate my shoulder though).

So, anyway, I was told to do some exercises back at home and one of the exercises causes the clicking sound in my shoulder.

I'm not exactly sure how to describe it but the exercise is similar to what was mentioned in this article:

Pendular Shoulder Exercises | eHow.com

the Pendular Exercise with a Stick


When I raise my right shoulder up and bring it down it makes this clicking sensation (doesn't really make a noise). It's hard to describe but if you ask me, it's like when you crack your knuckles and you feel the joint in your knuckles sort of "popping" into place.

It doesn't hurt at all though and after I finish the 1st set (I'm only told to do 1 set), when I try it again a few minutes later the sensation's either really "weak" or it's not there anymore.

I'm just worried about it thanks :)

and sorry for the lengthy post :o

Hi there, your labral (Bankart) repair depending on the size of the tear will be repaired (at least in Australia anyway) with suture anchors (small screws with sutures attached) placed adjacent to the surface of the glenoid (socket). The suture knots that surround the labrum can sometimes cause an audible but usually non painful click when the arm is moved. Furthermore, the rotator cuff muscles which provide shoulder stability will be inhibited post surgery and thus your shoulder stability will be somewhat compromised and that can lead to a few audible noises in the shoulder. Ultimately at the end of the day and your rehab there should be minimal or no clicking at all. Over time these suture knots will flatten out and become less of a nuisance. I am a little concerned that you may be moving the arm too much. In the first 6 weeks, I would keep my movements below shoulder height and if it is an anterior labral repair avoid the position I call the high 5 or stop sign for some time yet. Finally, be very careful about taking advice from those who don't know off the internet. Some of the contributor's on eHow are ghost writers and not trained in physiotherapy let alone have a special interest in the shoulder.
All the Best!
Luke

Hey Luke!

Thanks for the reply! I feel much better! Yea my bankart repair was also repaired with suture anchors I think even though the specialist didn't say it (it was stated on my operation sheet as implants). Ah thanks for the advice on keeping it below shoulder height! Thanks again!

Hello, I would most agree with the shoulderguy and will like to ask if you do any scapula exercises. If you dont ask your doctor if you are allowed to start and to advise you which ones to start with.

Hi, I had the same problem with my shoulder, but i opted for the arthroscopic surgery instead. I was told that after 4-5 months i would have a full range of motion. I had the surgery in December 2010 and as of today June 15th, I still cannot fully rotate my shoulder. When I do attempt to rotate it it makes clicking noises. I had 3 months of therapy where i continuously did exercises that caused me a lot of pain and in no way improved my over head movement and in extending my arm backwards.

I am just wondering if I might of re torn the tendon or if maybe my surgery was noneffective. Please give me any insight you have on this type of situation.

Hey Julian! For me I had the surgery in February and by mid-April - early-May I had my full range of motion back. Initially when I started off I had the clicking noise when I did some exercises. Now it's only if I shrug both my shoulders and drop them do I hear the clicking noise. I'm doing strengthening exercise now and one particular exercise also makes it a little. [I can't hear it but my physio who's there says he can feel the 'click'].

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Julian Osorno

Hi, I had the same problem with my shoulder, but i opted for the arthroscopic surgery instead. I was told that after 4-5 months i would have a full range of motion. I had the surgery in December 2010 and as of today June 15th, I still cannot fully rotate my shoulder. When I do attempt to rotate it it makes clicking noises. I had 3 months of therapy where i continuously did exercises that caused me a lot of pain and in no way improved my over head movement and in extending my arm backwards.

I am just wondering if I might of re torn the tendon or if maybe my surgery was noneffective. Please give me any insight you have on this type of situation.

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Well do you have pain with the movement and does the clicking cause you any pain. If no is more than likely that may need specific exercises for the whole shoulder.
your motion will return if you keep your stretching exercises. Does your therapist apply any hands on technigues for restoring your motion?
Nevertheless you should talk with your surgeon regarding those concerns so he could advise you and guide in a better direction.

Hi. The reason I am posting this is because I too have a slight popping/clicking sound from my shoulder when I raise my shoulder (doing a shoulder shrug). I recently had a posterior labrum repair in my right shoulder (11 weeks ago). The first 6 weeks of rehab and everyday activities were fine despite the terrible first 3 weeks of being in that horrible sling 24/7. At 6 1/2 weeks I was closing a gym door with my right arm, as I was closing it I turned to my left and at the same moment someone on the outside yanked the door open. My hand was still caught in the door, so when the person opened the door my arm rotated externally and there was a popping noise. I did not however, experience any pain or numbness to the area (shoulder felt sore for a at most a minute but felt normal after that). I was very nervous and uneasy about this as I thought I may have messed up the repair. I went in to the athletic trainers that do my rehab to have them check out my shoulder. They did a couple tests on it and they said it felt strong and there were no clicking or popping sounds when they were moving it around. So far, (11 weeks out now) I have had no other problems or pain with my shoulder and I continue a 3 day a week rehab program with certified athletic trainers at the university I attend.

As I said I do have those minute popping/clicking noises when I shrug my shoulder. Other than that everything (rehab, day to day activities) have been great and I have had very little pain, if any. Anyways I was wondering if you think I have anything to worry about, or if it was most likely some scar tissue popping. I have had many friends undergo the same surgery and they talk about their shoulders popping and attributing it to scar tissue.

I was also wondering if external rotation of the shoulder puts stress on the posterior labrum, as I have heard that external rotation does not put stress on that area, it only hinges there.

Thanks a bunch.