Shoulder Labrum Reconstruction

Izületi Tok Rekonstrukció

The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint. A 'ball' at the top of the upper arm bone (the humerus) fits neatly into a 'socket', called the glenoid, which is part of the shoulder blade (scapula). The labrum is a ring of fibrous cartilage surrounding the glenoid which helps in stabilizing the shoulder joint. Shoulder Labrum reconstruction involves removal of the torn flap of the labrum surrounding the tendon.

Causes

Traumatic injury to the shoulder or overuse of the shoulder by excessive throwing or weightlifting can cause a labral tear. In addition, the ageing process may weaken the labrum leading to injury secondary to wear and tear.

Symptoms

A shoulder labral tear injury can cause symptoms such as pain, a catching or locking sensation, decreased range of motion and joint instability.

Types of labral tears

The most common types of labral tears include:

  • SLAP tear: The term SLAP (superior –labrum anterior-posterior) refers to an injury of the superior labrum of the shoulder, at the attachment of the biceps tendon.
  • Bankart tear: Bankart tear is an injury to the labrum that leads to recurrent dislocations and arthritis of the shoulder
  • Posterior labrum tears: This type of labrum tear is rare, but may be caused by repeated internal impingement, where the extreme extension and external rotation of the shoulder joint causes pinching of the bulged part of the arm bone against the lining of the shoulder joint cavity.

Diagnosis

Your consultant may suspect a labral tear based on your symptoms and medical history. The consultant will inquire about your pain and history of injury. Several physical tests will be performed by your consultant to evaluate the range of motion and stability of your shoulder. X-rays may be used to rule out other conditions. Your consultant may also order a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, with a contrast medium, to determine the presence of tears. Diagnosis of a labral tear can also be confirmed through shoulder arthroscopy.

Conservative Treatment

Your consultant may start with conservative approaches such as prescribing anti-inflammatory medications and advise rest to relieve symptoms. Rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to strengthen rotator cuff muscles. If the symptoms do not resolve with these conservative measures, your consultant may recommend arthroscopic surgery.

Surgical Treatment

During arthroscopic surgery for SLAP tears, your surgeon examines the labrum and the biceps tendon. If the damage is confined to the labrum without involving the tendon, then the torn flap of the labrum will be removed. In cases where the tendon is also involved or if there is detachment of the tendon, absorbable wires or sutures will be used to repair and reattach the tendon.

Bankart lesion is repaired by a Bankart operation. In this procedure, the bankart tear is repaired by reattaching the labrum and the capsule to the anterior margin of the glenoid cavity. Your surgeon makes a few small incisions around the joint. Through one incision an arthroscope is inserted into the shoulder to visualize the inside of the shoulder joint. Other surgical instruments are inserted through the other incision to re-attach the labrum to the glenoid with the help of sutures or anchoring devices. The arthroscope and surgical instruments are removed and the incisions are closed.

Post -Operative Care

Following the surgery, your shoulder is immobilized with a sling for a few days. To control pain and swelling your physio therapist may use ice, electrical stimulation, massage therapy, and other hands-on –treatments. Passive range of motion exercises are also initiated in the post-operative phase. Active range of motion exercises are started about 6 weeks after the repair, to regain your shoulder movement. Athletes can return to sports in about three months.

Risks and Complications

Risks associated with a labral repair include:

  • Nerve injury
  • Wound infection
  • Tear of the repair
  • Shoulder stiffness
  • Recurrence of instability
  • Poor positioning of anchor suture
  • Failure of the repair

Click on the topics below to find out more from the orthopaedic connection website of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Professional Memberships :

  • Royal College of Surgeons of England
  • The Royal Society of Medicine
  • General Medical Council
  • Effort  Joint Efforts
  • SICOT