Our Summary

This study reviewed existing research on the simultaneous repair of two types of shoulder injuries - superior labral tears and rotator cuff tears. The researchers looked at 10 previous studies involving 241 shoulders. The average age of the patients was about 53 years old, and they were followed up with for about 29 months on average. The majority of the patients were male.

After the surgery, various tests were used to measure how well the patients’ shoulders were functioning. On average, patients scored fairly high on these tests, suggesting their shoulders were working well. The patients also had a good range of motion in their shoulders after surgery.

The research found that about 77% of patients were able to return to their sport or activity, but only about 68% were able to perform at the same level as before their injury. The overall complication rate after surgery was quite low at only 4.1%, but about 19% of patients experienced a re-tear of their rotator cuff. Only 2.4% had to have another surgery.

In conclusion, having surgery to repair both superior labral and rotator cuff tears at the same time seems to result in good shoulder function and movement. However, while most patients were able to return to their sport or activity, not all could perform at their previous level. The risk of complications is low, but there is a chance the rotator cuff could re-tear.

FAQs

  1. What is the average success rate of patients returning to their sport or activity after simultaneous repair of superior labral and rotator cuff tears?
  2. What is the risk of complications or re-tear after the simultaneous repair of superior labral and rotator cuff tears?
  3. Does the simultaneous repair of superior labral and rotator cuff tears result in good shoulder function and movement?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about labral repair is to follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan carefully and attend all follow-up appointments. This will help ensure the best possible outcome and minimize the risk of complications or re-tears. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the healthcare team promptly.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended labral repair are those who have both superior labral and rotator cuff tears. These patients are usually active individuals who participate in sports or other physical activities. The average age of patients in this study was around 53 years old, and the majority were male. It is important to note that while most patients were able to return to their sport or activity after surgery, not all were able to perform at the same level as before their injury. Additionally, there is a risk of complications, such as re-tearing of the rotator cuff, although the overall complication rate is low. It is important for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of labral repair surgery with their healthcare provider to determine if it is the right treatment option for them.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after labral repair surgery would include:

Before surgery:

  1. Patient experiences shoulder pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient undergoes physical examination, imaging tests (such as MRI), and possibly a trial of conservative treatments like physical therapy.
  3. Patient and surgeon discuss the risks and benefits of surgery, and a decision is made to proceed with labral repair.

After surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes labral repair surgery, possibly in combination with rotator cuff repair if needed.
  2. Patient goes through a period of rest and rehabilitation to allow the shoulder to heal.
  3. Patient gradually starts physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder.
  4. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  5. Patient gradually returns to activities and sports, with the goal of achieving optimal shoulder function.

Overall, the timeline for recovery after labral repair surgery can vary depending on the individual patient and the extent of the injury. However, with proper care and rehabilitation, many patients are able to regain good shoulder function and return to their previous level of activity.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the success rate of simultaneous repair of superior labral tears and rotator cuff tears?
  2. How long is the recovery process after surgery for labral repair?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  4. Will I need physical therapy after surgery, and if so, for how long?
  5. What type of post-operative pain management can I expect?
  6. How soon after surgery can I expect to return to normal activities and sports?
  7. Are there any specific exercises or movements I should avoid after surgery?
  8. What is the likelihood of a re-tear of the rotator cuff following surgery?
  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments after surgery?
  10. What are the long-term outcomes and expectations for shoulder function after labral repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: Rowe DG, Hurley ET, Bethell MA, Doyle TR, Meyer AM, Lorentz SG, Klifto CS, Lau BC, Dickens JF. Journal: JBJS Rev. 2024 Nov 5;12(11). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.24.00138. eCollection 2024 Nov 1. PMID: 39499797