Relation between Shoulder Lateral Rotators Strength and Hand Grip Strength after Arthroscopic Bankart Repair

Background: Anterior shoulder instability is common in young, active individuals, with arthroscopic Bankart repair frequently performed to restore stability. Full upper limb function relies on coordinated kinetic chain activity, with hand grip strength (HGS) serving as a simple indicator of overall upper limb strength. Lateral rotators strength (LRS), primarily from the infraspinatus and teres minor, is key for glenohumeral stability. While HGS correlates with shoulder function in various groups, its specific relationship with LRS post-Bankart repair remains unclear. Purpose: To investigate the correlation between shoulder LRS and HGS at different houlder abduction angles after arthroscopic Bankart repair surgery. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 15 patients (mean age 27.67 ± 6.72 years) at least six months post-arthroscopic Bankart repair. Isometric LRS and HGS were measured on both surgical and non-surgical sides at 0°, 90°, and 90° abduction with 70° external rotation using handheld and Jamar dynamometers. Pearson correlation analysis was used (P < 0.05). Results: Significant differences were observed between surgical and non-surgical limbs in HGS and LRS at 90° abduction and 90° abduction with 70° external rotation (P < 0.05), but not at 0°. A significant positive correlation between HGS and LRS was found across all positions on the surgical side (r = 0.573–0.677, P < 0.05). Conclusion: A strong positive correlation exists between HGS and LRS post-Bankart repair, supporting their functional linkage. HGS may serve as a practical tool for monitoring shoulder rehabilitation