Labral repair is a procedure designed to address tears in the labrum, which is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket. Tears in the labrum can lead to shoulder instability and pain.
At Southwest Shoulder, our skilled orthopedic surgeons specialize in performing labral repair surgery to help improve your shoulder stability and quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain or instability, our team is here to provide expert care and guide you through the treatment process.
What Is
A Labral Tear?
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the glenoid, which is the shoulder socket. The labrum deepens the socket and provides additional stability to the shoulder joint.
Labral tears can occur due to injury, such as a fall or a direct hit to the shoulder, or through repetitive stress and overuse. Tears can also vary in size and location, with the most common being a tear in the front-top portion of the labrum, known as a superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) tear.
Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
Latarjet procedure
How Does
Labral Tear Affect Shoulder Stability?
The labrum is a key part of the shoulder that helps keep the joint stable. It makes the shoulder socket deeper, providing a better fit for the ball of the upper arm bone.
The labrum also acts as an anchor, allowing vital tissues to attach to the shoulder and keep it stable. When the labrum is torn, it can affect the stability of the shoulder joint.
Labral tears can also cause impingement. When the labrum is torn, the damaged or swollen tissue can rub against the tendons in the shoulder.
This rubbing is called impingement, and it can cause extra pain and make it harder to move your shoulder normally.
What Are the Symptoms of a Labral Tear That May Require Surgical Repair?
If you have a labral tear, you might notice pain in your shoulder, especially when lifting your arm overhead or moving it in certain ways. You may also feel like your shoulder is catching, locking, or popping as you move it.
Some people with labral tears experience weakness in the affected arm, as if it can’t support the same amount of weight or activity as before. Another common symptom is a sense of instability, as though your shoulder might give out or dislocate unexpectedly.
You might also find that you can’t move your shoulder through its full range of motion, and you may have trouble sleeping on the affected side due to pain. If rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications don’t help relieve these symptoms, or if the tear is severe, your doctor may recommend surgical repair to fix the damaged labrum and restore your shoulder’s stability and function.
What Happens During Labral Repair Surgery?
At Southwest Shoulder, our skilled orthopedic surgeons perform labral repair surgery to help improve shoulder stability.
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During this procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will make a small incision around the shoulder.
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Then, they will find the exact spot where the labrum is torn and prepare the edges so it can heal properly.
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After this, your orthopedic surgeon will use small anchors and strong stitches to reconnect the labrum to the shoulder socket.
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Once the repair is complete, they will close the incisions and apply a sterile bandage for healing.
If you have any other injuries in your shoulder, like tears in your rotator cuff or ligaments, your orthopedic surgeon can fix those during the same procedure in most cases.
The specific techniques used during labral repair surgery may vary depending on the type and location of the tear. Using advanced techniques, the orthopedic surgeons at Southwest Shoulder can effectively repair labral tears while minimizing tissue damage and promoting faster recovery times.
What Can I Expect During the Recovery Process After Labral Repair Surgery?
After your labral repair surgery, you can expect a gradual recovery process that typically takes several months. During this time, your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist will guide you through each stage of recovery to ensure the best possible outcome.
For the first four to six weeks after surgery, you’ll need to wear a sling to protect your repaired shoulder and help it heal properly. About a week to ten days after your procedure, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with your doctor to check your incisions, remove any stitches, and assess your shoulder’s range of motion.
It’s normal to experience some pain and discomfort after surgery, especially once the anesthesia from the procedure wears off. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication for a couple of days to help manage this.
As you heal, you’ll start physical therapy to gradually regain your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and stability. Your therapist will guide you through exercises and activities that progressively challenge your shoulder, helping you safely return to your normal daily activities.
The specific timeline for returning to full activities and sports will depend on the extent of your repair and your individual progress, but most people can expect to resume their normal activities within four to six months after surgery. Throughout your recovery, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions for pain management and stick to your rehabilitation plan.
The team at Southwest Shoulder will work closely with you to create a personalized recovery plan and support you every step of the way to ensure you achieve the best possible results from your labral repair surgery.
Ready to Get Started?
Do you suspect you may have a labral tear or are experiencing persistent shoulder pain and instability? Schedule an appointment at Southwest Shoulder in El Paso, TX, today!