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Shoulder Labral Repair and Stabilization
The shoulder labrum is a fibrous cartilage which lines the ball-and-socket shoulder joint to provide stability and cushioning. It is a triangular, rigid, tissue that surrounds the shoulder blade. An injury to the labrum can cause dislocation or subluxation along with shoulder pain.

A labral tear is the most common injury to the labrum; it can be caused by traumatic accidents, congenital laxity, or arthritis. The two most common types of tears of the Labrum are SLAP tears and Bankart tears. A SLAP injury tears the biceps tendon from the glenoid, whereas a Bankart injury dislocates the arm by displacing the Humerus.

Depending on the severity of the tear, a torn Labrum can be reattached through minimally invasive or open labral repair shoulder surgery.

Who Needs the Surgery?
Labral Repair and Stabilization Surgery is recommended for patients who are:

  • Suffering from a Labral tear because of congenital laxity or glenohumeral joint arthritis due to old age.
  • Suffering a Labral tear from a traumatic accident.
  • Not responding to conservative treatment options like pain medication, steroid injections, and physical therapy.

 

How is it Performed?

  • Arthroscopic Transglenoid Suture Capsulorrhaphy is a minimally invasive shoulder labral repair procedure that begins by prepping the patient and administering local anesthesia.
  • The surgeon makes a small incision in the joint to insert an arthroscope which transmits images from inside the joint.
  • Afterward, the surgeon inserts anchors into the joint through separate incisions.
  • The torn labrum is reattached to the rim of the bone with anchor sutures. In arthroscopic surgery, the patient is discharged 2-3 hours after the procedure.
  • An open procedure is preferable for a type 2 or type 3 Labral tear.
  • After administering general anesthesia or a brachial plexus nerve block, a cosmetic incision is made, which gives visibility and access to the shoulder joint.
  • The labrum is reattached by roughening the edges of the shoulder socket and drilling small holes in it, through which sutures are passed.
  • After the labrum has been securely reattached to the glenoid socket, the incision is stitched closed, dressing is applied, and the arm is placed in a sling. Patients are discharged two days after the surgery.
  • A complete shoulder replacement is recommended instead of a repair if the joint is beyond salvaging.
  • The surgeon recommends a rehabilitation program after arthroscopic or open surgery to recover optimal shoulder function. The program includes physical therapy and pain management.

 

Call us today to discuss effective treatment options with one of the best Orthopedic Surgeons in NJ.

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FAQ’S

What Is Shoulder Stabilization Surgery?

  • Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization is a surgical procedure used to treat chronic shoulder joint instability.
  • This is a minimally invasive procedure and only requires two tiny incisions around a half-an-inch in length.

Can a Torn Labrum in the Shoulder Heal Itself?

  • The labrum is not capable of complete self-healing and repair. If you decide to let it heal on its own, it probably won’t heal evenly.
  • The surgeon can just clean up the torn area by removing any damaged cartilage if the labrum is slightly torn.

How Do You Treat Chronic Shoulder Instability?

  • If all non-surgical procedures fail to relieve pain and instability in the shoulder, a surgical repair may be necessary to repair the torn or stretched ligaments.
  • For some patients, a minimally-invasive arthroscopic surgery would suffice, while others require open surgery.
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