Labrum Repair Specialist

What is a labrum?

A labrum is a cup-shaped piece of cartilage that lines the ball-and-socket joints of your hip and shoulder. Numerous ligaments and tendons attach to the labrum and provide stability to your shoulder and hop while also allowing for a large range of motion.

What are signs of a labrum injury?

Different types of damage occur in the labrum of your hip and shoulder because of the structure and mobility of each joint.

Signs of a labrum tear in the hip include:

• Hip pain, typically described as a constant, deep, dull ache that becomes sharp during movement
• Hip clicking, locking, or catching
• Hip instability or a sensation that your leg will give out underneath you

Labrum tears in the hip are usually the result of acute trauma — such as a direct impact to your hip — or gradual wear-and-tear. Labrum tears in the shoulder occur after direct trauma, falling and landing on an outstretched arm, repetitive overhead motions during sports, and shoulder dislocations.

Signs of a labrum tear in the shoulder include:

• Shoulder instability, including popping and clicking
• Repeated shoulder dislocations
• Pain, especially with overhead activities
• Decreased range of motion
• Weakness in your shoulder or arm

Diagnosis and treatment for labrum tears can reduce your pain, improve your range of motion, and add stability to your injured hip or shoulder joint.

How is a labrum injury diagnosed?

To diagnose a labrum injury, the team completes an extensive consultation and exam, including imaging, to determine the cause of your pain. They first ask about your symptoms, then perform a series of orthopedic tests to check your range of motion, muscle strength, and nerve function.

The team then refers you for imaging including X-rays and an MRI or CT scan. The team compares the images, analyzing the bones, joints, and soft tissue structures in your joint to determine the cause of your pain. Based on their findings, they explain your diagnosis and outline a treatment plan.

How is a labrum repaired?

For labrum tears that require surgical repair, the team performs arthroscopy. With this surgery, the team removes loose labrum tissue and repairs tears to give you more stability and reduce your pain.

Complete recovery, including rehabilitation, typically takes four to six months, though you can often return to activities gradually after four to six weeks.

Schedule a consultation to discuss labrum repair by calling or booking online at Bahri Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic.