Arthroscopic Labral Repair is performed for recurrent shoulder dislocations, SLAP tears and Bankart’s tears. These are injuries of the labrum, a ring of tough and flexible tissue on the rim of the glenoid (socket of shoulder). In labral repair surgery, via 2-3 puncture holes, suture anchors (small screws with stitches loaded) are placed in the glenoid bone socket. The labrum is then stitched to the glenoid. The puncture holes are then closed with 1 stitch each and the arm placed in a sling. You will be in a sling for a few weeks. Progressive exercises start the day after surgery. It takes at least 3-6 months to get the strength back in your shoulder. You are ready for contact sports only 9 months after surgery. The suture anchors used are generally made of bioabsorbable materials and do not need to be removed later.

More about rotator cuff tears (more information shoulder patient info)