Labrum tear surgery for shoulder injuries can help, but whether you should have an operation depends on several factors. The shoulder joint depends on a ring of cartilage called the labrum to stay stable and move smoothly. When this cartilage tears, it can cause a lot of pain and make it hard to use the shoulder. Some people say their shoulder feels loose or like it might pop out of place.
Small tears can often heal with rest and physical therapy. However, more serious or long-lasting tears might need surgery to fix the labrum and bring back shoulder function. Here is more on this topic.
When Surgery Becomes Necessary
Doctors may suggest surgery if treatments like rest and physical therapy do not help after a few months. Athletes and very active people might need surgery sooner because their activities put more strain on their shoulders.
Signs that surgery might be necessary include:
- Ongoing pain that makes daily tasks hard
- Repeated shoulder dislocations
- Feeling like the shoulder is unstable when moving the arm
- A large or severe tear
- The presence of other shoulder injuries, like a rotator cuff tear
Young athletes with sudden, serious tears can benefit from early surgery to avoid future problems.
Options for Labrum Tear Surgery for Your Shoulder
Orthopedic surgeons use different methods to treat labral tears. Below are the main surgical options:
Arthroscopic Labral Repair
This is the most common method. Surgeons reattach the torn labrum to the shoulder socket using special stitches and small anchors. The procedure is minimally invasive. This means it is done through tiny cuts while the surgeon views the joint on a monitor.
Labral Debridement
In this procedure, surgeons remove frayed or damaged parts of the labrum that cannot be repaired.
They carefully trim the damaged tissue while keeping as much healthy labrum as possible. This option is best for smaller tears or wear-and-tear damage, especially in older patients.
Labral Reconstruction
When the labrum is too damaged to repair, surgeons use tissue grafts from other parts of the body to rebuild it. This is a more complex surgery. It is usually done for patients with repeated tears or severe damage caused by multiple dislocations.
What Happens If a Labral Tear Is Not Treated
If a serious labral tear is not fixed, shoulder problems can get worse over time. Pain may become more constant as the torn tissue rubs against and irritates other parts of the shoulder.
The shoulder might also become unstable, causing it to partially or fully dislocate again and again.
Over time, the wear and tear on the shoulder can speed up, increasing the risk of arthritis at a younger age. The muscles around the shoulder may weaken as they try to make up for the unstable joint. This leads to more pain and difficulty using the shoulder.
Is Labrum Surgery Considered Major Surgery
Arthroscopic labral repair uses small cuts and less invasive methods. However, it is still considered a major orthopedic procedure.
The surgery is done under general anesthesia and involves careful work inside the shoulder joint. Recovery takes several months and includes physical therapy and limits on activities.
The minimally invasive approach means:
- Smaller cuts
- Less damage to surrounding tissues
- Often quicker healing compared to open surgery
However, it is important to know that any surgery on a joint comes with risks. Labrum tear surgery for your shoulder requires a strong commitment to the recovery process.
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Surgery
Recovery after labral tear surgery for your shoulder follows a step-by-step process. This is to allow proper healing and gradually restore shoulder function.
First 2 to 4 Weeks
Patients wear a sling to protect the shoulder and allow the repair to heal. During this time, gentle pendulum exercises help keep some shoulder movement.
Weeks 2 to 6
Physical therapy begins with passive range of motion exercises. Here, the therapist moves the shoulder for the patient.
Weeks 6 to 8
Strengthening exercises start. They focus first on smaller stabilizing muscles before working on larger muscle groups.
Most patients can return to basic daily activities, desk work, and light tasks during this time.
After a Few Months
Athletes and those with physically demanding activities need this longer period for full recovery. This allows the repaired tissue to heal and regain its strength fully. Rushing back too soon can lead to re-injury and poor results.
Importance of Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is key to a successful recovery. Physical therapy helps:
- Restore normal shoulder movement
- Rebuild strength
- Teach patients how to protect their shoulders during activities
Skipping therapy or trying to progress too quickly can cause problems like stiffness, weakness, or re-injury. Patients who fully commit to their therapy program usually recover better. A structured rehab plan ensures each stage of healing gets the right care and attention.
Potential Risks and Expected Outcomes
Labral repair surgery has some risks, including infection, shoulder stiffness, and nerve injury. Re-tearing of the labrum is also possible, especially if recovery guidelines are not followed. Rare risks include blood clots, anesthesia reactions, or ongoing pain.
Most patients see major improvements in pain and shoulder stability when they stick to their rehab plan. Success depends on skilled surgery and full commitment to recovery.
Labrum Tear Surgery for Shoulder Injury in Miami Lakes & Plantation, FL
If you need personalized care for your labrum tear, The Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center is here for you.
Our compassionate team, led by board-certified shoulder doctor Dr. Tosca Kinchelow, specializes in surgical and non-surgical treatments to restore your strength, mobility, and confidence in your shoulder’s function.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with our board-certified upper extremity surgeon, call us today at (954) 635-5300 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
