Home Sports MedicineShoulder Labral Repair Surgery in India

Shoulder Labral Repair Surgery in India

Arthroscopic surgery to repair torn labrum in the shoulder joint, restoring stability and function for athletes and active individuals with shoulder instability.

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Overview

Shoulder Labral Repair Surgery is a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure performed by Dr. Gurudeo Kumar at Arthoscenter, Patna to repair tears in the labrum - the ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket (glenoid). The labrum provides stability to the shoulder joint and cushions the ball-and-socket connection. When torn, it causes pain, clicking, instability, and increased risk of shoulder dislocations. Common labral tears include SLAP tears (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) affecting overhead athletes, Bankart lesions causing recurrent shoulder dislocations, and posterior labral tears from trauma or repetitive stress. These injuries typically occur in athletes participating in throwing sports, tennis, swimming, weightlifting, or from traumatic shoulder dislocations. At Arthoscenter Patna, Dr. Kumar has successfully performed over 95 shoulder labral repair surgeries using advanced arthroscopic techniques with a 94% success rate. The minimally invasive approach uses tiny incisions (5-8mm) with a camera and specialized instruments, resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and excellent functional outcomes. Most athletes return to sport within 4-6 months with proper rehabilitation.

Symptoms & Indications

This surgery may be recommended if you experience:

Deep shoulder pain that worsens with overhead activities

Catching, locking, popping, or grinding sensation in shoulder

Shoulder instability - feeling like shoulder may slip out of place

History of shoulder dislocation or subluxation (partial dislocation)

Decreased shoulder range of motion, especially overhead

Weakness when lifting or throwing

Pain at night, especially when sleeping on affected shoulder

Difficulty with overhead sports (baseball, tennis, swimming)

Shoulder feels unstable or gives way during activity

Dead arm sensation - sudden loss of strength during throwing motion

Procedure Details

Duration

60-90 minutes depending on tear complexity and associated injuries

Anesthesia

General anesthesia plus interscalene nerve block for superior post-operative pain control

Preparation for Surgery

Pre-operative preparation includes comprehensive shoulder MRI with arthrogram (dye injection) to precisely identify labral tear location and extent. Physical examination tests like O'Brien's test, Crank test, and apprehension test confirm labral pathology. Patients undergo pre-anesthetic evaluation, complete blood work, and ECG. Dr. Kumar reviews MRI images with you to explain the surgical plan. Pre-operative physical therapy may be recommended to optimize shoulder range of motion. Patients are advised to stop blood-thinning medications 5-7 days before surgery.

Surgical Steps

General anesthesia combined with regional nerve block (interscalene block) for pain control

Patient is positioned in beach chair or lateral decubitus position

Shoulder is prepared with antiseptic solution and draped

2-4 small arthroscopic portals (5-8mm incisions) are created around shoulder

Arthroscopic camera is inserted to visualize entire shoulder joint

Systematic examination identifies labral tear type and associated damage

Damaged or frayed labral tissue is debrided (cleaned)

Glenoid bone surface is prepared using specialized shavers and burrs

Suture anchors (usually 2-4) are inserted into glenoid bone at tear site

High-strength sutures from anchors are passed through torn labrum tissue

Labrum is pulled down and secured to original anatomic position

Sutures are tied, restoring labral anatomy and deepening socket

Additional procedures performed if needed (biceps tenodesis, capsular plication)

Arthroscope confirms secure labral repair and shoulder stability

Portals are closed with sutures and sterile dressing applied

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery journey

Day 1-14

Immobilization & Protection

Shoulder immobilized in sling 24/7 for 4-6 weeks. Passive range of motion exercises begin day 1-2 under physical therapist guidance. Ice and pain medications for comfort. Hand, wrist, and elbow exercises to prevent stiffness. No active shoulder movement to protect healing labrum.

Week 3-6

Gentle Passive Motion

Continue sling wear. Supervised passive and assisted-active range of motion exercises. Gradual improvement in shoulder flexibility. Pendulum exercises and pulley exercises. Still no active lifting or strengthening. Focus on preventing shoulder stiffness while protecting repair.

Week 7-12

Active Motion & Light Strengthening

Wean from sling by week 6-8. Begin active range of motion exercises without resistance. Light isometric strengthening exercises. Gradual progression based on pain and healing. Most daily activities resumed except overhead work and sports.

Week 13-16

Progressive Strengthening

Intensive strengthening program with resistance bands and light weights. Focus on rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers. Sport-specific exercises begin for athletes. Swimming and cycling approved. No throwing or overhead sports yet.

Month 5-6

Return to Sport Phase

Advanced strengthening and plyometric exercises. Sport-specific training intensifies. Throwing program begins for overhead athletes. Gradual return to full activity based on strength testing and functional milestones. Most athletes cleared for sport by month 6.

Month 6-12

Full Activity & Maintenance

Return to unrestricted sports and activities. Continue maintenance strengthening program to prevent re-injury. Labral repair is fully healed and strong. Follow-up with Dr. Kumar at 6 and 12 months. Excellent long-term outcomes expected with proper rehabilitation.

Tips for Faster Recovery

Wear sling religiously for first 4-6 weeks - crucial for labral healing

Perform prescribed passive exercises only - no active lifting initially

Ice shoulder 4-5 times daily for 20 minutes to reduce swelling

Sleep in semi-reclined position or on opposite shoulder

Attend all physical therapy sessions - rehabilitation is 50% of success

Do NOT rush rehabilitation - labral healing takes 3-4 months

Avoid reaching behind back, overhead reaching for first 8 weeks

Take pain medications as needed but wean off narcotics within 2 weeks

Report any new instability, clicking, or catching immediately

Continue shoulder strengthening exercises lifelong to prevent re-injury

Athletes: complete full throwing/sport program before returning to competition

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this procedure

Q1.What is the labrum and why is it important?

The labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage tissue that surrounds the shoulder socket (glenoid), deepening it by about 50% and providing crucial stability to the inherently unstable ball-and-socket shoulder joint. It acts as a bumper and attachment point for ligaments and biceps tendon. When torn, the shoulder loses stability, leading to pain, clicking, and increased dislocation risk. Labral tears don't heal naturally due to poor blood supply, requiring surgical repair for athletes and active individuals.

Q2.How long does recovery take after shoulder labral repair?

Full recovery takes 6-9 months for return to unrestricted sports. The labrum healing itself takes 3-4 months, but regaining full strength and confidence requires additional time. Timeline: sling for 4-6 weeks, passive motion for 6-8 weeks, active motion by 8-12 weeks, strengthening months 3-5, and return to sport months 6-9. Overhead athletes (baseball pitchers, tennis players) may need up to 9-12 months for full return. Patience during rehabilitation is crucial for long-term success.

Q3.What is the success rate of labral repair surgery?

Shoulder labral repair has excellent outcomes with 85-94% success rates when performed by experienced surgeons like Dr. Kumar. Success depends on tear type, patient age, activity level, and rehabilitation compliance. Bankart repairs (from shoulder dislocations) have 90-95% success in preventing recurrent instability. SLAP repairs in overhead athletes have 85-90% return to sport rates. Failure usually results from inadequate rehabilitation, premature return to activity, or very large/chronic tears.

Q4.Can I return to overhead sports like baseball or tennis after surgery?

Yes! Most athletes return to overhead sports at pre-injury levels within 9-12 months after proper rehabilitation. Success rates are highest for younger athletes (<30 years) with isolated labral tears. Return to sport protocol includes progressive throwing programs, sport-specific drills, and strength testing. Overhead athletes must complete full interval throwing program (12-16 weeks) before competitive return. Dr. Kumar provides individualized return-to-sport timelines based on tear type and sport demands.

Q5.What are the risks of shoulder labral repair surgery?

Arthroscopic labral repair is very safe with low complication rates (<5%). Potential risks include: infection (<1%), nerve injury (very rare, usually temporary numbness), stiffness (2-5%, prevented with early physical therapy), re-tear or recurrent instability (5-10%, higher in contact athletes), and anchor-related complications (<2%). Dr. Kumar's arthroscopic expertise and advanced techniques minimize these risks. Most complications, if they occur, are minor and manageable.

Q6.How much does shoulder labral repair cost at Arthoscenter Patna?

Arthroscopic shoulder labral repair at Arthoscenter Patna costs approximately ₹1,25,000 - ₹1,75,000 including surgery, arthroscopic equipment, suture anchors, hospital stay (1-2 days), and initial follow-up. Cost varies based on tear complexity and associated procedures (biceps tenodesis, capsular plication). Many insurance plans cover labral repair when conservative treatment has failed. We accept all major insurance and offer payment plans. Initial consultation with Dr. Kumar is ₹999.

Q7.Will I need both shoulders repaired if I have shoulder instability?

Not necessarily. While some patients have bilateral (both shoulder) labral pathology, surgery is only performed on the symptomatic shoulder causing pain and instability. The opposite shoulder is monitored and treated conservatively with strengthening exercises. If the other shoulder becomes symptomatic, it can be repaired later (typically 6-12 months apart to allow full recovery of first shoulder). Bilateral simultaneous surgery is rarely done due to rehabilitation challenges.

Q8.What is the difference between SLAP tear and Bankart lesion?

SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) occurs at the top of the shoulder socket where the biceps tendon attaches, common in overhead athletes from repetitive stress. Bankart lesion is a tear at the front-bottom of the labrum, typically from traumatic shoulder dislocation. SLAP tears cause overhead pain and clicking, while Bankart lesions cause instability and recurrent dislocations. Both require arthroscopic repair with suture anchors but have different rehabilitation protocols and return-to-sport timelines.

Q9.Can labral tears heal without surgery?

Most labral tears do not heal naturally due to poor blood supply to the labrum tissue. Small, partial tears in older, less active individuals may become asymptomatic with conservative treatment (physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications). However, athletes and active individuals with significant tears causing instability, recurrent dislocations, or persistent pain typically require surgical repair for optimal outcomes. Dr. Kumar evaluates each case individually to determine if conservative treatment has a reasonable chance of success.

Q10.How do I know if I need labral repair surgery?

Surgery is recommended when you have: confirmed labral tear on MRI arthrogram, persistent shoulder pain/instability despite 3-6 months of physical therapy, recurrent shoulder dislocations (especially in young athletes), mechanical symptoms (catching, locking), desire to return to overhead sports, and functional limitations affecting quality of life. During consultation, Dr. Kumar will perform physical examination tests, review your MRI, discuss your activity goals, and help you make an informed decision about surgery.

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