Capital City Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

Atlanta, GA Shoulder Labral Tear Surgery

Allowing a wide range of motion and rotation of the arm, the shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body; however, the flexibility also contributes to a high level of instability and vulnerability to injury.

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint composed of a complex network of bones, muscles, tissues, ligaments, and tendons. The head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is the ball which rests in the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula). The humeral head is often larger than the shallow socket, called the glenoid, resulting in the increased flexibility and instability.

What is the Labrum?

To help deepen the glenoid, the socket is lined with a layer of cartilage, called the labrum. The labrum forms a ring around the socket of ball-and-socket joints and increases the stability of the joint, while maintaining the flexibility of the joint. Furthermore, the labrum serves as the point of attachment for several ligaments in the shoulder.

How can a Labral Tear occur?

Injuries to the labrum are often the result from either overexertion or trauma. Over time, repetitive arm motions, such as throwing or lifting, can lead to a tear in the labrum. Likewise, trauma, including falling on outstretched arms, a sudden pull, or a blow to the shoulder, can lead to labral tearing.

Labral tears, like other shoulder injuries, result in pain or difficulty when moving the arm, and a decrease in range of motion and strength in the arm.

Labral Tear Diagnosis and Treatment

A patient suffering from a possible labral tear can often identify the motion or trauma that led to the injury. To confirm that the shoulder pain is the result of a labral tear, the orthopedic surgeon will implement a series of imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI.

Initially, Dr. Fowler will recommend a series of conservative treatment methods, such as medication and a rehabilitation exercise regimen, or even alternative treatments, such as tai chi or Pilates. If surgical intervention is required for proper treatment, labral tears can be repaired through arthroscopic techniques.

What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, where a camera mounted on a tube (arthroscope) is inserted into the shoulder through a small incision. The arthroscope sends images from within the joint to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to view the shoulder injury for final diagnosis. To repair the tear, miniature surgical instruments are inserted into a second small incision.

Arthroscopy, and other minimally invasive surgical methods, may provide patients several benefits, such as less blood loss, less scarring, and minimal tissue damage. These procedures can often be performed on an outpatient basis and often require a shorter recovery period than traditional open surgery.

Read more about Shoulder Arthroscopy »

Labral Tear Surgery Recovery

Rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy are necessary following the surgical procedure to regain the strength and mobility of the newly repaired shoulder. With dedication to the rehabilitation process, the patient should have a fully healed shoulder within three to four months.

Shoulder Surgery in Atlanta, GA

Dr. David Fowler is a Board-certified orthopedic surgeon who emphasizes conservative and alternative treatment methods; however, when surgery is required to properly treat the condition or injury, Dr. Fowler utilizes the latest in minimally invasive and arthroscopic techniques. To make an appointment, please call Dr. Fowler’s Atlanta, GA office at (404) 303-8665.