What is Detached Labrum Repair?
Detached labrum repair is a surgical procedure that is typically performed arthroscopically in order to reattach the labrum of the shoulder to the shoulder socket.
Key statistics about Detached Labrum Repair
- The shoulder joint is the most unstable joint in the entire human body[1]
- 1% of the population of the United States experience shoulder dislocation[2]
Expert Insights
Understanding Labral Tears - Daniel Cooper, MD
Shoulder Anatomy
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint formed by three bones: the humerus, the scapula, and the clavicle.
The labrum is a thick piece of cartilage that helps keep the ball of the shoulder joint in the socket, or glenoid of the scapula.
Why is Detached Labrum Repair performed?
Traumatic injury can cause the labrum to be detached from the underlying bone, which allows the head of the humerus to dislocate from the glenoid. Often, patients go on to suffer from repeated shoulder dislocations after this type of injury in a condition known as shoulder instability.
Detached labrum repair is a minimally-invasive, effective procedure performed to alleviate pain and restore shoulder stability associated with a detached labrum.
Who needs Detached Labrum Repair?
Detached labrum repair is a commonly recommended surgical procedure for patients who have experienced repeated shoulder dislocations and shoulder instability due to injury of the labrum. Chronic shoulder instability is most likely to affect younger, more active individuals.
Detached labrum repair is necessary to address labrum detachment and shoulder instability that cannot be repaired or treated with nonsurgical measures.
How is Detached Labrum Repair performed?
- The surgeon will make small incisions around the shoulder joint and the arthroscope will be inserted into one of the incisions.
- Saline solution is pumped into the joint to expand it and improve visualization.
- Images from the arthroscope are sent to a video monitor where the surgeon can see inside the joint.
- The labrum is reattached to the glenoid using sutures and anchor-like devices.
- Finally, the saline solution is drained, instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed using sutures.
What are the risks of Detached Labrum Repair?
Potential risks from detached labrum repair may include:
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Shoulder stiffness
- Recurrent shoulder instability
How long does it take to recover from Detached Labrum Repair?
- 24 hours after surgery
Most patients are able to return home the same day as their procedure. A physical therapy routine will be established by the surgeon and physical therapist, and pain medication may be prescribed. A sling will be provided, but it is important that prescribed exercises are followed in order to prevent the development of any weakness or stiffness. - 2 weeks after surgery
Any non-dissolvable sutures are removed and bruising and swelling begin to subside. - 6-8 weeks after surgery
Most patients are able to discontinue use of the sling and resume most daily activity. - 4-6 months after surgery
Most patients are fully recovered from detached labrum repair, though it may take some patients up to 12 months to fully recover.
What are the results of Detached Labrum Repair?
Detached labrum repair is a safe and effective procedure performed to alleviate pain and restore shoulder function to patients with labrum damage and anterior shoulder instability.
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