Treatment FAQ

what are the treatment options for labral tear in shoulder

by Halie Medhurst Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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SLAP tears are usually treated with rest, anti-inflammatory medications and, in some cases, an in-office cortisone injection. This is followed by gradual stretching of the shoulder, initially with a physical therapist, for six weeks to two months.Nov 10, 2020

Full Answer

What does recovery look like after a labral tear surgery?

The hip labral reconstruction process typically follows these steps:

  • Damaged labrum diagnosis. An orthopedic surgeon will diagnose a damaged labrum that cannot be repaired.
  • Graft preparation. Soft tissue is taken from the patient or a donor and prepared to fit the section of the labrum being replaced.
  • Graft placement. The prepared graft is anchored to the remaining labral tissue using sutures (durable stitching).

Can a torn shoulder labrum heal on its own?

Recovery time is anywhere from two to 12 weeks depending on the severity of the injury. People also ask, can a torn shoulder labrum heal on its own? A labrum isn't totally capable of complete self-healing and repair, and if you do decide to leave it to heal on its own, it usually won't heal evenly.

Can a labral tear heal without surgery?

The good news? 2/3 of patients with a labral tear don’t need surgery and can recover to full pain-free function with conservative treatment. That means manipulative therapy to correct joint motion and physical therapy to restore muscle balance in the shoulder.

How to rehab a torn labrum in shoulder?

  • Stand with your arms at your side.
  • If possible, use a lightweight (1 to 5 pounds), extend your arms up and away from your body to shoulder height, hold for five seconds, then release.
  • Perform three sets of 10 to 12 repetitions.

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Can a shoulder labral tear heal without surgery?

Typically, patients with SLAP injuries that are less severe, involving either a partially torn labrum or frayed labrum, will find that physical therapy alone will improve their symptoms. However, if symptoms do not resolve after 6-12 weeks of physical therapy, surgery is necessary for a full recovery.

How do you fix a labral tear in the shoulder?

The best way to do this is with arthroscopic surgery since this area is difficult to reach with an open operation through a large incision. Using the arthroscope and small incisions for other instruments, the labrum can be reattached to the rim of the socket using either sutures or tacks.

What happens if a shoulder labral tear goes untreated?

If left untreated, this may lead to chronic or recurrent shoulder instability, pain, and weakness.

Is labral tear surgery worth it?

Doctors recommend labral tear surgery to patients who they think are good candidates—these patient are not at high risk for surgical complications and are likely to have good postsurgical results. For other patients, a hip replacement or other hip surgery may be considered.

Will a cortisone shot help a torn shoulder labrum?

Usually, we perform a cortisone shot into the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation from a torn labrum. However, this injection must be followed by an exercise program to strengthen the shoulder and stop further instability.

When do you need surgery for labral tear?

When Do Doctors Recommend Hip Surgery to Repair a Torn Labrum? A doctor may recommend hip labrum repair surgery if: The tear causes hip pain and other symptoms, and. The tear has been confirmed using MRI or other medical imaging.

Do labral tears always need surgery?

Fortunately not all labral tears require surgery. A combination of relative rest (avoiding activities that cause pain), anti-inflammatory medicines and a focused course of physical therapy are the first choice for the treatment of a labral tear.

Can you make a shoulder labrum tear worse?

Even conservative treatment requires a rehabilitation program. Some evidence suggests that shoulder instability may eventually make labral tears worse. The goal of therapy will be to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles to make the shoulder more stable. At first you will do exercises with the therapist.

What is the shoulder labrum?

The labrum is a cup-shaped rim of cartilage that lines and reinforces the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder.

What does a torn shoulder labrum feel like?

The most common symptoms of a torn shoulder labrum are: shoulder pain, instability and, in some cases, a feeling of grinding, locking or catching w...

What are the different types of shoulder labral tears?

The two most common types of labral injuries are SLAP (superior labrum from anterior to posterior) tears and Bankart tears. Both types of tears are...

Can labral tears of the shoulder be prevented?

Unfortunately, labral tears are hard to prevent, especially in throwing sport athletes, because the force of overhead motion contributes to the inj...

Can a shoulder labral tear heal without surgery?

In some cases, the labrum can heal with rest and physical therapy, depending on the severity of the tear.

When do you need surgery for a torn shoulder labrum?

Surgery may be required if the tear gets worse or does not improve after physical therapy.

What is the recovery time for shoulder labrum repair surgery?

Patients who undergo arthroscopic repair can expect shorter recovery times and less pain. Those undergoing open surgery should expect more pain, lo...

When do you need surgery for a torn shoulder labrum?

Surgery may be required if the tear gets worse or does not improve after physical therapy. "If physical therapy fails and the athlete still can’t complete overhead motions, or the shoulder continues to dislocate, surgical treatment might be required to reattach the torn ligaments and labrum to the bone," says Dr. Fealy. Arthroscopic procedures, in which the doctor operates through a small incision, are usually preferred because they are less invasive than open surgery.

What is the recovery time for shoulder labrum repair surgery?

Those undergoing open surgery should expect more pain, longer recovery, and in some cases incomplete shoulder rotation. Athletes may require six months to one year for full recovery, with overhead throwing athletes taking the longest.

What is the shoulder labrum?

The labrum is a cup-shaped rim of cartilage that lines and reinforces the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder. The shoulder joint is composed of the glenoid (the shallow shoulder "socket") and the head of the upper arm bone known as the humerus (the "ball").

What does a torn shoulder labrum feel like?

The most common symptoms of a torn shoulder labrum are: shoulder pain, instability and, in some cases, a feeling of grinding, locking or catching while moving the shoulder. These symptoms may vary depending on the type of labral tear a person has.

What is Bankart tear?

Bankart tears. Bankart tears typically occur in younger patients who have dislocated their shoulder. When the shoulder joint ball slips out of the socket, the joint capsule (fiberous tissues that surround and protect the joint) can pull on the lower portion of the labrum and tear it.

What are the two most common types of labral injuries?

The two most common types of labral injuries are SLAP (superior labrum from anterior to posterior) tears and Bankart tears. Both types of tears are usually accompanied by aching pain and difficulty performing normal shoulder movements.

Why does the labrum cause instability?

This in turn creates instability because the breached labrum makes it easier for the shoulder to dislocate again. A dislocation where the head of the humerus shifts toward the front of the body, it leads to what is called "anterior instability.".

How to treat labral tear?

Treatment for a labral tear can include restricted rest, physical therapy or surgery, depending on the needs of the individual and severity of the injury. Request an appointment: phone 443-997-2663.

How to diagnose a labral tear?

Labral Tear of the Shoulder: What You Need to Know 1 A labral tear can be hard to diagnose. Clinicians will perform a physical examination and usually order X-rays and an MRI, but the most reliable way is through arthroscopy of the shoulder (a surgical procedure). 2 Treatment for a labral tear can include restricted rest, physical therapy or surgery, depending on the needs of the individual and severity of the injury.

Why do labral tears occur?

Labral tears may result from injury, or sometimes as part of the aging process. Symptoms and treatment vary depending on the type and severity of the tear.

What is the best treatment for shoulder tears?

Alternative treatments including glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are also considered. When conservative treatment fails, surgical repair can be performed. Large tears usually require surgery to enable a return of shoulder function.

How to diagnose labral tear?

Labral injuries can be diagnosed by physical examination, but often require further testing, such as an MRI with contrast, so your doctor can collect enough information about the tear.

What is the labrum in the shoulder?

Shoulder Labral Tears. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that attaches to and effectively increases the surface of the shoulder joint. It help stabilize your shoulder and serves as point of attachment for your shoulder ligaments and the biceps tendon. The labrum can be injured by overuse or a single traumatic event.

What is the term for a tear in the labrum?

Overuse injuries occur to the superior labrum where the biceps tendon attaches and are known as SLAP tears. Traumatic injuries occur to the anterior labrum.

What to do for a tear in the rotator cuff?

Depending on the size and location of the tear, strengthening is often successful. The focus is typically on exercises to strengthening the periscapular and rotator cuff muscles.

Can you fix a labral tear?

Anterior labral tears can be fixed arthroscopically or through open surgery. Superior labral tears (SLAP tears) can cause persistent problems for athletes who compete in overhead sports such as baseball, basketball, and volleyball, so surgery may be necessary. These tears can only be treated arthroscopically. FIND A PROVIDER.

Causes of Shoulder Labral Tears

Injury to the labrum typically occurs from repetitive trauma in overhead throwers, such as in baseball. It can also occur from a traction injury to the arm, such as lifting a heavy object off the ground or getting your arm jerked.

Symptoms of Shoulder Labral Tears

Typical symptoms include pain in the front of the shoulder or deep inside the joint.

Treatment Options

Treatment options initially include physical therapy which is designed to restore range of motion and strength to the shoulder. Often times shoulder arthroscopy is recommended where the damaged labrum is identified and then repaired using suture anchors to sew the labrum back in place.

Doctors Who Assist with Shoulder Labral Tears

Christopher J. Centeno, M.D. is an international expert and specialist in Interventional Orthopedics and the clinical use of bone marrow concentrate in orthopedics. He is board-certified in physical medicine as well as rehabilitation and in pain management through The American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

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