Our Summary

The research paper discusses the case of a 38-year-old woman who was highly active but was suffering from a type of shoulder injury called a SLAP tear. This injury had been bothering her for a year and a half and was affecting her work and hobbies. Traditional non-surgical treatments didn’t help her.

The woman underwent a minimally invasive procedure known as arthroscopy. The doctors repaired the torn part of her shoulder without having to cut or remove any part of the biceps tendon - a procedure often needed in such cases. The patient didn’t have any other shoulder problems, like a rotator cuff tear or a chondral lesion, which made this simple repair possible.

Six months after the surgery, the patient had regained full movement in her shoulder and was able to return to her normal activities, including playing tennis.

The study concluded that this type of shoulder repair can be successful in patients over 35 years old. However, the treatment should be customized for each patient. If the patient has other shoulder problems, like issues with the rotator cuff, chondral surface, or biceps tendon, these will need to be addressed in the surgery as well.

FAQs

  1. What is a SLAP tear and how does it affect daily activities?
  2. What is the arthroscopy procedure and how does it assist in repairing a SLAP tear?
  3. Can the arthroscopy procedure be successful for patients over 35 years old with other shoulder problems?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient about labral repair:

  • Follow your post-operative rehabilitation plan closely to ensure proper healing and regain strength and mobility in your shoulder.
  • Avoid activities that may put excessive strain on your shoulder during the initial recovery period.
  • Attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
  • Communicate any persistent pain or discomfort to your doctor, as this could indicate a complication or the need for further treatment.
  • Gradually ease back into your normal activities and sports, following your doctor’s guidance to prevent re-injury.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended labral repair are those who have a specific type of shoulder injury, such as a SLAP tear, that is causing significant pain and limiting their ability to perform daily activities or participate in sports. These patients may have tried conservative treatments without success and may be experiencing ongoing symptoms.

Age can also be a factor in determining if a patient is a good candidate for labral repair. In the case mentioned above, the patient was over 35 years old, suggesting that this type of surgery can be successful in older patients. However, it is important to note that each patient’s situation is unique, and the decision to recommend labral repair should be based on a thorough evaluation of their individual circumstances.

Additionally, patients who do not have other significant shoulder problems, such as rotator cuff tears or chondral lesions, may be good candidates for a simple labral repair procedure. However, if other shoulder issues are present, these will need to be addressed during the surgery as well to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

Overall, patients who are experiencing persistent shoulder pain and limited mobility due to a labral tear may benefit from labral repair surgery, particularly if conservative treatments have been unsuccessful. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their individual needs.

Timeline

Overall timeline:

  • Patient experiences shoulder injury and tries non-surgical treatments for a year and a half
  • Patient undergoes minimally invasive arthroscopic labral repair surgery
  • Six months post-surgery, patient regains full range of motion and returns to normal activities, including playing tennis

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about labral repair may include:

  1. What is a SLAP tear and how does it affect my shoulder?
  2. Is arthroscopic surgery the best option for repairing my labral tear?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with labral repair surgery?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after surgery?
  5. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  6. Are there any restrictions or limitations on my activities after the surgery?
  7. How successful is labral repair surgery in patients over 35 years old?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options for my shoulder injury?
  9. Will I need any additional procedures if other shoulder problems are discovered during the surgery?
  10. What are the long-term outcomes and prognosis for patients who undergo labral repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: Cohen SB, Matthews JR. Journal: Video J Sports Med. 2021 May 4;1(3):26350254211000754. doi: 10.1177/26350254211000754. eCollection 2021 May-Jun. PMID: 40308251