Person experiencing shoulder pain | Humphrey Shoulder Clinic

Dr. Carl Scott Humphrey at the Humphrey Shoulder Clinic in Boise is a highly experienced orthopedic surgeon specializing in labral repair surgery. He offers state-of-the-art treatments for various shoulder conditions and injuries, including labral tears.

Dr. Humphrey uses advanced techniques to ensure the successful repair of the torn labrum. His team also employs post-operative rehabilitation protocols to maximize recovery and speed healing time. With an impressive track record of successful surgeries, excellent patient outcomes, and personalized care plans tailored to each individual's needs, Dr. Humphrey has established himself as one of the top shoulder specialists in the region.

What Is Labral Repair Surgery?

Labral repair surgery is a procedure used to reverse any damage done to the labrum, or cartilage, in the shoulder joint. The labrum is a type of cartilage that serves as a ring of soft tissue that surrounds the shoulder socket (glenoid bone). It deepens the glenoid so the ball joint stays in its proper place.

Person playing baseball | Humphrey Shoulder Clinic

Labral Repair Surgery is often performed in one of three areas:

  • The superior part (top) of the shoulder socket (glenoid)
  • SLAP (Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior) repair
  • Alternatively, a biceps tenodesis may be performed
  • The anterior (front) part of the shoulder socket
  • Bankart repair (reattaching the torn labrum and capsule) for recurrent anterior shoulder instability, or
  • Latarjet procedure (using bone graft to make up for bone loss at the front of the glenoid)
  • The posterior (back side) of the socket
  • Impingement repair.
  • Posterior capsulorrhaphy (reattaching the torn labrum and capsule at the back of the shoulder) for recurrent posterior joint instability

What are the Different Types of Labral Surgery?

  • SLAP repair is achieved by suturing frayed or torn parts of the labrum back to the bone at the top of the socket to stabilize it. Alternatively, the long head of the biceps tendon may be anchored to a different location to prevent it from pulling on the torn labrum.
  • Bankart repair involves relocating torn, displaced portions of the labrum and shoulder capsule and reattaching them to their normal position at the front lower socket to restore stability.
  • Impingement repair involves removing any bone spurs and loose pieces of tissue causing impingement on the rotator cuff tendons. This usually occurs at the back side of the socket toward the top.

Is Labrum Repair a Major Surgery?

Labrum repairs can be considered major surgery because they involve both articular and soft tissue damage, which a surgeon may need to repair for full recovery and stability within the shoulder joint. However, these procedures are usually done arthroscopically, and the patients almost always go home the same day.

It is very common for a shoulder dislocation or subluxation to result in labral tears. These tears can range from complete detachment from the bone to small tears within the substance itself, or even more specifically in the area where the biceps tendon attaches to the upper end of the socket. Surgery may be needed to reattach the detached labrum and capsule back to the bone.

Labral repairs are almost always performed arthroscopically through a few small incisions. The exception is when there is bone loss of the glenoid. In such cases, an open repair may be necessary to rebuild the bone of the glenoid socket.

Humphrey Shoulder Clinic Is the Treasure Valley’s Best Shoulder Specialist

Labral tears can be difficult to identify but a diagnosis is usually made with an MRI or CT Scan. Additionally, Dr. Humphrey will always consider a patient's physical examination and history. For superior labral lesions (SLAP tears), patients may experience intermittent shoulder pain that is worse with activity and better with rest. Pain with overhead activity, such as throwing a ball, is typical for someone with a superior labral tear.

Tearing in the lower glenoid region, either in the front or back, often causes recurrent shoulder instability.

If surgery is necessary, Dr. Humphrey will provide detailed information about the procedure, including what to expect during recovery and how to prepare for it. The healing process for labral tears can take several weeks to a few months. Therefore, it is important to follow all post-operative instructions from your doctor to ensure proper healing and rehabilitation. Additionally, Dr. Humphrey can advise on strengthening exercises that may speed up the healing process or reduce the risk of future injury.

Person holding their shoulder in pain | Humphrey Shoulder Clinic

Personalized Shoulder Care at Humphrey Shoulder Clinic

Are you looking for relief from shoulder pain? The Humphrey Shoulder Clinic offers comprehensive treatment options to help you get back to normal. Whether you have a shoulder condition that can be treated with non-operative care or one that requires surgery, we have the experience and expertise to assess your condition, develop a personalized treatment plan, and provide the support you need. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 208-639-4800 to start your journey to a healthier and more comfortable lifestyle.