Arthroscopic Labral Repair is a surgical procedure employed to address Labral tears that lead to shoulder instability. These tears can result from recurring shoulder dislocations, SLAP tears, and Bankart’s tears affecting the labrum, which is a protective cartilage found in ball-and-socket joints like the shoulder and hip.
During Labral repair surgery, 2-3 puncture holes are carefully created, and suture anchors, which are small screws preloaded with stitches, are strategically placed in the glenoid bone socket. The labrum is then meticulously stitched back to the glenoid. The puncture holes are subsequently sutured, typically requiring just one stitch each. Following the procedure, patients are advised to wear an arm sling for several weeks. The recovery process begins promptly, with progressive exercises commencing the day after surgery. It typically takes a minimum of 3-6 months to regain full strength in the shoulder. The recovery rate is notably high, and for those looking to return to contact sports after surgery, a recovery period of 9 months is generally sufficient. Importantly, the stitches used are typically made of bio-absorbable materials and do not necessitate removal.