Our Summary

This research paper discusses a surgical technique for treating a common shoulder instability problem, specifically an injury to the anterior inferior glenoid labrum (a part of the shoulder joint), often occurring in young and athletic individuals. This condition often occurs from a dislocation or partial dislocation, and when non-surgical treatments are unsuccessful or the risk of it happening again is high, surgery can be necessary.

The procedure is done arthroscopically, which means it is minimally invasive, using a tiny camera and small instruments inserted through small incisions. The shoulder is prepared and the labrum is repaired by placing sutures around it and securing it with an anchor. This procedure is performed in a specific sequence, from the lower to the upper part of the injury.

After the surgery, patients go through three phases of rehabilitation before they can return to activities such as contact sports, usually around six months post-surgery. The return-to-sport rates for this procedure are quite high, between 80% to 100%, and the recurrence rates (i.e., the injury happening again) range from 5% to 20%.

The authors conclude that this is a useful technique for treating this type of shoulder instability in patients with minimal bone loss in the shoulder. It’s important to correctly place the surgical instruments, prepare the labrum and the shoulder joint, to optimize the chances of successful healing.

FAQs

  1. What is the surgical technique discussed in the research paper for treating anterior inferior glenoid labrum injuries?
  2. What is the recovery process and timeline after undergoing this surgical procedure?
  3. How successful is this surgical technique in terms of return-to-sport rates and recurrence rates?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about labral repair is to follow the prescribed rehabilitation program diligently. This includes exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve range of motion, and gradually increase activity levels. Compliance with the rehabilitation program is crucial for a successful recovery and to prevent re-injury. It’s also important to communicate any concerns or setbacks with your healthcare provider so they can make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended labral repair are those who have experienced shoulder instability due to an injury to the anterior inferior glenoid labrum, often young and athletic individuals who are at a higher risk of recurrent dislocations. Patients who have not had success with non-surgical treatments or who have a high risk of re-injury may also be candidates for labral repair surgery. It is important for patients to have minimal bone loss in the shoulder for this procedure to be effective.

Timeline

Before labral repair:

  1. Patient experiences shoulder instability, often from a dislocation or partial dislocation.
  2. Non-surgical treatments are attempted but are unsuccessful or the risk of re-injury is high.
  3. Patient decides to undergo surgery for labral repair.

After labral repair:

  1. Surgery is performed arthroscopically, repairing the labrum with sutures and anchors.
  2. Patient goes through three phases of rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion.
  3. Patient gradually returns to activities, with a return to contact sports typically around six months post-surgery.
  4. Return-to-sport rates are high, ranging from 80% to 100%.
  5. Recurrence rates of the injury range from 5% to 20%.
  6. Proper placement of surgical instruments and preparation of the labrum and shoulder joint are crucial for successful healing.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specifically is the injury to my shoulder and why is labral repair necessary?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How is the surgery performed and what is the expected recovery time?
  4. What type of rehabilitation will be required after the surgery?
  5. What are the expected outcomes and success rates for this type of procedure?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  7. How long will I need to be off work or sports activities after the surgery?
  8. What can I do to help ensure a successful outcome of the surgery?
  9. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments or imaging studies after the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term implications or considerations to be aware of after having this procedure done?

Reference

Authors: Marcaccio S, Buerba R, Arner J, Bradley J. Journal: Video J Sports Med. 2024 Oct 8;4(5):26350254241262328. doi: 10.1177/26350254241262328. eCollection 2024 Sep-Oct. PMID: 40309246