Our Summary

The study looks at military members under 35 who have shoulder instability, a condition more common in the military than in civilian life. There are two types of shoulder injuries they looked at: posterior labral tears and superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears. The study compared the results of surgeries that repaired both injuries at the same time, versus those that only repaired the posterior labral tears.

The researchers found that both groups of patients saw significant improvements after surgery. They also found that a similar percentage of patients in both groups were able to return to their previous levels of work and sports activity. The number of patients who had to leave the military due to their injuries, and the number of patients who had unsuccessful surgeries, were also similar in both groups.

In short, the study found that repairing both types of injuries at the same time is just as effective as repairing only the posterior labral tears. This is good news for active-duty military members under 35 who have both types of shoulder injuries.

FAQs

  1. What types of shoulder injuries were studied in the research?
  2. What were the findings of the study in terms of the effectiveness of simultaneous repair of both posterior labral and SLAP tears?
  3. Did the surgery outcomes influence the decision of patients to continue or leave their military service?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing labral repair surgery is to follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan carefully. This may include physical therapy exercises and restrictions on certain activities to ensure proper healing. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider during the recovery process. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise can help optimize the outcome of the surgery.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended labral repair are those who have shoulder instability, posterior labral tears, and SLAP tears. These injuries are common in active individuals, such as military members, athletes, and those who engage in physical activities. The study mentioned above specifically looked at military members under 35 with these types of shoulder injuries.

Timeline

Timeline before labral repair:

  1. Patient experiences shoulder pain, instability, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient undergoes physical therapy and conservative treatments to manage symptoms.
  3. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as MRI to diagnose the labral tear.
  4. Surgeon recommends labral repair surgery to address the tear.

Timeline after labral repair:

  1. Patient undergoes arthroscopic labral repair surgery to repair the torn labrum.
  2. Patient undergoes post-operative physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion.
  3. Patient gradually returns to normal activities and sports.
  4. Patient experiences improved shoulder stability and reduced pain.
  5. Patient may need to follow up with the surgeon for periodic evaluations to monitor the healing process and ensure long-term success of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What type of labral tear do I have (posterior labral tear or SLAP tear)?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with labral repair surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after surgery?
  4. Will I need physical therapy after surgery?
  5. What are the success rates for patients who have both posterior labral tears and SLAP tears repaired at the same time?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before opting for surgery?
  7. How soon can I expect to return to work and physical activities after surgery?
  8. Will I need to modify my lifestyle or activities after surgery to prevent re-injury?
  9. What is the long-term prognosis for patients who undergo labral repair surgery?
  10. Are there any specific guidelines or precautions I should follow during my recovery period?

Reference

Authors: Green CK, Scanaliato JP, Sandler AB, Czajkowski H, Childs BR, Fink WA, Dunn JC, Parnes N. Journal: Am J Sports Med. 2023 Aug;51(10):2635-2641. doi: 10.1177/03635465231181702. Epub 2023 Jul 3. PMID: 37395134