Our Summary

This study looked at two types of shoulder surgeries: one that repairs a full circle tear in the shoulder’s labrum (a type of cartilage), and one that only repairs a tear in the front part of the labrum. The researchers wanted to see if the outcomes of these two surgeries were different.

They compared 35 patients who had the full circle repair with 31 patients who only had the front part repaired. They looked at things like how well the patients rated their shoulder function, whether they had any shoulder pain or instability, and their overall satisfaction with the surgery.

In the end, they found no significant differences between the two groups. This means that despite the full circle repair being a more complex surgery with a more extensive recovery process, the outcomes were just as good as the simpler front part repair.

In other words, if you have a full circle tear in your shoulder’s labrum, this study suggests that getting it fully repaired could give you similar results to just repairing the front part, even though the full repair is a bigger procedure.

FAQs

  1. What were the two types of shoulder surgeries examined in this study?
  2. What factors were assessed in the patients who underwent the two different types of shoulder surgeries?
  3. According to the study, what were the outcomes of a full circle labrum repair compared to a front part labrum repair?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about labral repair is to follow their post-operative rehabilitation plan diligently. This may include physical therapy exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve range of motion. By following the rehabilitation plan, the patient can optimize their recovery and improve their overall shoulder function after labral repair surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended labral repair include those with:

  • Full circle tears in the shoulder’s labrum
  • Shoulder pain or instability
  • Decreased shoulder function
  • Failed conservative treatments such as physical therapy
  • Young, active individuals who wish to return to sports or physical activities that require a high level of shoulder function

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if labral repair is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before labral repair:

  1. Patient experiences shoulder pain, instability, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI to confirm labral tear.
  3. Patient consults with orthopedic surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  4. Surgery is scheduled for labral repair.

After labral repair:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to repair labral tear (either full circle or front part repair).
  2. Patient undergoes post-operative rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder.
  3. Patient attends follow-up appointments with surgeon to monitor healing and progress.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and sports as advised by surgeon.
  5. Patient evaluates shoulder function, pain, and overall satisfaction with the surgery in the long term.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of labral tear do I have in my shoulder?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a labral repair surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  4. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  5. What are the success rates of labral repair surgery for my specific type of tear?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to surgery for my labral tear?
  7. How long will it take for me to return to my normal activities after the surgery?
  8. Will I need any additional imaging tests or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  9. What are the long-term outcomes and expectations for my shoulder after a labral repair surgery?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or modifications I should make after the surgery to prevent re-injury?

Reference

Authors: Wall A, McGonigle O, Gill TJ. Journal: Orthop J Sports Med. 2019 Dec 27;7(12):2325967119890103. doi: 10.1177/2325967119890103. eCollection 2019 Dec. PMID: 31909054