Our Summary

This research paper discusses the outcomes of a specific type of shoulder surgery known as 270° labral repair on active-duty military patients. These patients had previously dislocated their shoulders due to traumatic incidents and had a specific kind of shoulder instability. The research looked at patients who had this surgery between January 2011 and January 2019.

The results showed that, on average, patients reported significant improvements in shoulder function and a significant reduction in pain after the surgery. Their shoulder movements, however, did not significantly change after the operation. It didn’t make a difference whether the surgery was on the patient’s dominant or non-dominant shoulder, or on the type of surgical materials used. The success of the surgery was high, with over 92% of patients being able to return to active duty.

FAQs

  1. What is the 270° labral repair surgery and who typically undergoes this procedure?
  2. What were the key findings of this research on the outcomes of 270° labral repair surgery performed on active-duty military patients?
  3. Did the type of shoulder (dominant or non-dominant) or surgical materials used have any effect on the outcomes of the 270° labral repair surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about labral repair is to follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan carefully. This may include physical therapy exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve range of motion, and prevent re-injury. It is important to adhere to the prescribed timeline for returning to activities and sports to ensure the best possible outcome from the surgery. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or pain with your healthcare provider to address them promptly.

Suitable For

Based on this research, patients who are typically recommended labral repair are those who have experienced shoulder dislocations due to traumatic incidents and have a specific type of shoulder instability. These patients may include active-duty military personnel or individuals who are physically active and require a stable and functional shoulder joint for their daily activities. Additionally, patients who have persistent shoulder pain and limited range of motion despite conservative treatments may also be recommended for labral repair surgery.

Timeline

Before the labral repair surgery, the patient likely experienced shoulder instability, pain, and limited range of motion due to a labral tear. They may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy or cortisone injections before opting for surgery. The patient would have undergone pre-operative evaluations and imaging to assess the extent of the labral tear and determine the best course of treatment.

After the surgery, the patient would have gone through a period of post-operative rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder. This typically involves physical therapy and a gradual return to normal activities. Over time, the patient would experience improvements in shoulder function and a reduction in pain, as seen in the study on active-duty military patients. The success of the surgery would allow the patient to return to their normal daily activities and potentially even resume high-impact activities such as military duty.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about labral repair, specifically 270° labral repair, include:

  1. What is a 270° labral repair and why is it recommended for my shoulder instability?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  4. How long will it take for me to return to my normal activities, including physical exercise and sports?
  5. Will I need to undergo any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  6. What are the chances of the shoulder instability recurring after the surgery?
  7. Are there any restrictions or precautions I should follow post-surgery to prevent further injury?
  8. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery for monitoring and evaluation?
  9. Can you provide me with information on the success rates of this surgery and any potential long-term outcomes?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical options available for my shoulder instability?

Reference

Authors: Scanaliato JP, Dunn JC, Fares AB, Czajkowski H, Parnes N. Journal: Am J Sports Med. 2022 Feb;50(2):334-340. doi: 10.1177/03635465211061602. Epub 2021 Dec 13. PMID: 34898288