Shoulder | Shoulder Labrum Tear Repair
Your shoulder has a ring of cartilage surrounding the ball and socket joint called the labrum, which helps keep the shoulder joint stable. Labral injuries happen through injury, arthritis, or repetitive motion, leading to pain and instability in your shoulder. Shoulder labrum repair is an option to help stabilize the shoulder and reduce pain.
Dr. Aaron Schwartz uses an advanced procedure called the FiberTak Anchor System. This system allows him to permanently repair labral tears, improving stability and reducing pain with a minimally invasive approach.
Dr. Schwartz recommends this video, shared courtesy of medical device company Arthrex, to help patients understand and prepare for this procedure.
An OrthoIllustrated®
animation of a shoulder labrum repair using the FiberTak anchor.
Frequently Asked Questions
The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the edge of the shoulder socket. It helps stabilize the ball-and-socket joint.
A labral tear can occur after a shoulder dislocation, fall, or repetitive overhead activity. Different types of labral tears include Bankart tears and SLAP tears.
No. Some labral tears can be treated with physical therapy, activity modification, and other nonsurgical treatments.
Shoulder labral repair surgery may be considered when symptoms persist, particularly when a tear causes recurrent instability, pain, or limitations with sports and other activities.
Most labral repairs are performed arthroscopically. The surgeon evaluates the shoulder and repairs the torn labrum to the rim of the socket using small anchors and sutures.
Additional procedures may be performed when appropriate, such as treatment of the biceps tendon or remplissage for selected patients with recurrent shoulder instability.
A Bankart repair is a type of labral repair used to treat a tear of the labrum and supporting ligaments at the front of the shoulder socket, commonly following a shoulder dislocation.
The torn tissue is repaired back to the edge of the socket to help restore shoulder stability.
Recovery varies depending on the type of repair and other procedures performed. A sling is typically for the first 3 weeks, followed by physical therapy to gradually restore motion and strength.
Return to sports can take 5-6 months, particularly for contact and overhead athletes.
Many patients return to sports following successful labral repair and rehabilitation. The timing depends on the type of tear, surgical procedure, sport, and recovery of shoulder strength and stability.
Potential risks include infection, stiffness, nerve injury, persistent pain, recurrent instability, failure of the labrum to heal, and the need for additional surgery.
Is Labral Repair Right for You?
Not every labral tear requires surgery. A detailed orthopedic evaluation, physical examination, and appropriate imaging can help determine whether shoulder labral repair is appropriate.
Schedule an evaluation to discuss your shoulder instability or labral tear.
Dr. Schwartz is based in Portland, Oregon at The Oregon Clinic Orthopedics.