If you’ve been told you need a remplissage procedure, or if you’ve already had one, you’re probably wondering what it means for your shoulder, your recovery, and your return to sport or work. This guide breaks down the procedure clearly, outlines your recovery timeline, and explains how physiotherapy can help you get the best result.
🧰 What Is a Remplissage Procedure?
“Remplissage” (French for “to fill in”) is a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure that helps stabilize shoulders prone to recurrent dislocation. It’s commonly performed in combination with a Bankart repair, especially if you have a Hill-Sachs lesion – a dent or impression fracture in the back of the humeral head caused by repeated dislocations.
In remplissage, the surgeon “fills in” this dent by anchoring the infraspinatus tendon and posterior capsule into the defect. This prevents the humeral head from engaging with the glenoid rim and re-dislocating, especially in high-risk positions like arm raised and rotated outwards.
🚪 Who Is a Candidate?
You might be recommended a remplissage if:
- You have shoulder that keeps popping out of place along with a dent in the ball of the shoulder joint where it may catch or bump against the socket during certain movements
- Your there isn’t too much bone missing from the socket, so a more complex surgery like the Latarjet isn’t needed
- You’re not a high-level overhead athlete needing a lot of outward shoulder rotation
This procedure is particularly helpful when the shoulder is structurally unstable even after a standard Bankart repair.
⚙️ What Happens During Surgery?
The remplissage procedure is done arthroscopically:
- A small camera and instruments are inserted into your shoulder joint
- The surgeon performs a Bankart repair to reattach the torn labrum
- Then, they anchor the infraspinatus tendon and posterior capsule into the Hill-Sachs defect
- The goal is to support the shoulder by filling the dent in the ball so it doesn’t catch on the socket and cause problems during movement
Surgery typically takes 60–90 minutes under general anaesthetic.
🚀 Benefits vs Limitations
Benefits:
- Reduces risk of recurrent dislocations
- Preserves bone (no bone graft required)
- Can be done in the same setting as Bankart repair
Limitations:
- May cause some loss of external rotation
- Less ideal for elite overhead athletes or throwers
- Rare chance of over-constraining the shoulder
⏰ Recovery Timeline (Typical)
Weeks 0–4:
- Sling full-time except hygiene
- No active shoulder movement
- Gentle hand, wrist, elbow mobility
- Pain and swelling management
Weeks 4–8:
- Begin passive shoulder movement
- Gradual introduction of external rotation (within limits)
- Continue isometric exercises for scapular and rotator cuff control
Weeks 8–12:
- Progress to active-assisted then active range of motion
- Start gentle strengthening (no resisted external rotation yet)
- Restore functional movement patterns
3–6 Months:
- Full active range
- Progressive rotator cuff and scapular strengthening
- Begin return to modified work or sport drills
6+ Months:
- Return to full sport or heavy manual work
- Final strength, control, and proprioception phase
Note: Recovery varies depending on whether the procedure was done alongside a Bankart repair or other surgery.
👀 What to Expect After Surgery
- Sling usually worn for 4 weeks
- Some mild stiffness, especially in external rotation, is common
- Return to driving: usually after 6–8 weeks, once you can move your shoulder well enough to drive safely
- Return to desk work: ~1–2 weeks
- Return to manual work: ~3–4 months depending on demands
🏋️♂️ Role of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is important after remplissage. A good shoulder physio will help by:
- Guide you through safe range-of-motion progressions
- Monitor for excessive stiffness or early recurrence signs
- Restore strength and movement control without compromising the repair
- Tailor sport- or work-specific rehab based on your goals
Special care is taken to gradually reintroduce external rotation to avoid stressing the posterior repair site.
📉 Expected Outcomes
- Remplissage helps reduce the chance of your shoulder dislocating again
- Slight reduction in external rotation (usually not functionally limiting)
- Most patients return to full activity between 5–7 months
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose shoulder movement? Some external rotation loss is common but often minimal. Most daily and sport functions are unaffected.
Can I return to sport or gym? Yes, most people return to sport or gym between 5 to 7 months after surgery. The timing for returning to play depends on how strong and stable your shoulder is, and what kind of sport you play. Overhead or contact athletes often require a more cautious and individualised plan, sometimes extending beyond 7 months to reduce the risk of re-injury.
What if I don’t do physio? Skipping physiotherapy can lead to prolonged stiffness, weakness, or even recurrence. Rehab is a key part of the success.
📅 Ready to Start Rehab?
If you’ve had a remplissage or are preparing for one, Melbourne Shoulder Rehab can help guide you through each stage of recovery with personalised, evidence-based physiotherapy.
✅ Book an expert post-op shoulder rehab consultation today and get back to doing what you love—safely and confidently.