Labral Repair
This is performed by keyhole surgery. Using a small cut at the back of the shoulder and two more at the front, the torn labrum is re-attached to the glenoid utilising bone anchors. This is performed by keyhole surgery. Using a small cut at the back of the shoulder and two more at the front, the torn labrum is re-attached to the glenoid utilising bone anchors.
Patient Information Sheet for Labral Repair
After surgery, you will awaken with your arm in a removable sling, which you need to wear (and sleep in) for 2 to 3 weeks. For sleeping, a pillow to support the shoulder in a good posture is advisable.
Do not force or stretch the shoulder by raising the arm upwards and outwards
Your physiotherapist will show you how to release your arm from the sling and do gentle, specific exercises with the arm. When you go home, you should do these exercises 3 or 4 times a day.
You will be prescribed painkillers to take home which, in the majority of cases, are usually sufficient.
Wound dressings can be removed after 10 days. Any stitches are dissolvable and will fall out after 3 weeks.
Mr Hallam will review you after 2 weeks.
An out-patient physiotherapy appointment will usually be arranged for you to attend 2 weeks after surgery. You may then be seen every few weeks and discharged at around 3 months after the operation.
Return to functional activities
Work - sedentary job: as tolerated; manual job: 6 - 12 weeks
Driving - 3 - 6 weeks
Swimming - breastroke: 6 weeks; freestyle: 12 weeks
Golf - 12 weeks
Lifting - Light lifting can begin at 3 weeks. Avoid lifting heavy items for 12 weeks.
Sports - eg horse riding, football, martial arts, racquet sports and rock climbing: 12 weeks.
