Anterior Labral Repair
Anterior Labral Repair in San Antonio, TX
If your shoulder dislocates or feels like it might slip out, especially when you reach overhead or throw, the cause may be a tear in the front of your labrum, the cartilage rim around the shoulder socket. Anterior shoulder instability is common in young athletes, but it can affect you at many ages.
Travis C. Burns, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in San Antonio, TX, evaluates shoulder instability at his Medical Center, Alamo Heights and Westover Hills offices. Dr. Burns specializes in shoulder surgery, and arthroscopic treatment of labral tears and shoulder instability is a focus of his practice. He considers your anatomy, bone health and activity goals before recommending a stabilization plan.
What Is Anterior Labral Repair?
Anterior labral repair is surgery that reattaches a torn labrum to the front of your shoulder socket with small anchors and sutures to restore stability. Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint with a shallow socket, so it relies on the labrum and ligaments to stay in place. When your shoulder dislocates forward, the front-lower labrum can tear away from the socket. This is often called a Bankart tear.
For background on this injury, see the Labral Repair, Shoulder Instability, Shoulder Dislocation and Shoulder Labrum Tear pages. For tears at the back of the socket, see Posterior Labral Repair.
What Are the Benefits of Anterior Labral Repair?
If you are an appropriate candidate, repair may offer potential benefits:
- Improved stability: Reattaching the labrum may help your shoulder stay in place.
- Less apprehension: Many patients feel more confident using the arm.
- Reduced risk of repeat dislocation: Stabilization may lower your chance of further episodes, though some risk remains.
- Minimally invasive approach: It is often performed arthroscopically through small incisions.
- Return to sport: Many patients work toward getting back to their activities with rehabilitation.
Your benefits depend on your injury, the amount of bone loss and your rehabilitation plan.
Who Needs Anterior Labral Repair?
You may be a candidate for anterior labral repair when examination and imaging show a labral tear with instability. Situations may include:
- Repeated dislocations or subluxations
- A first-time dislocation if you are a young athlete at high risk for recurrence
- A shoulder that feels loose or unstable during activity
- A labral tear seen on MRI that matches your symptoms
- Limited improvement after physical therapy
- Limited bone loss of the socket or humerus, as determined by imaging
Not every dislocation requires surgery. Some patients are treated with a sling and therapy, and Dr. Burns can discuss whether stabilization is the best step for you. If significant bone loss is present, other procedures such as the Latarjet Procedure may be considered.
What Does Preparation for Anterior Labral Repair Involve?
Your evaluation includes a history of your dislocations, an exam of motion and stability, and imaging such as X-rays and MRI, with additional studies as needed to assess bone. Dr. Burns will review your options and what to expect.
Before surgery, you will receive instructions as outlined in the Preoperative Instructions. Planning for a sling and for help at home may make your recovery smoother.
How Is Anterior Labral Repair Performed?
The procedure is typically performed arthroscopically, as described on the Shoulder Arthroscopy page. A few small incisions are made, and a camera and instruments are inserted so your surgeon can examine the labrum, cartilage, ligaments and rotator cuff.
The torn labrum is freed from the socket, the bone edge is prepared, and suture anchors are placed in the socket. The sutures are passed through the labrum and tied so it is secured in a position that restores the stabilizing rim. Capsule tissue may be tightened as well. The exact technique depends on your injury and is discussed with you before surgery.
The incisions are closed and a sling is applied.
What to Expect During Recovery After Anterior Labral Repair?
The First Weeks
You will commonly wear a sling for several weeks to protect the repair. Pain medication is typically provided, and gentle exercises of your hand, wrist and elbow are encouraged early on.
The Following Months
Therapy gradually restores your shoulder motion, then strength and control. Overhead lifting and reaching are limited at first and progress in stages. See the Postoperative Instructions and Physical Therapy Protocols pages.
Returning to Sports
Return to sports often takes several months, and contact or overhead sports may take longer. Your timeline depends on healing, strength and comfort.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Anterior Labral Repair?
As with any surgery, there are potential risks. Possible risks and complications include:
- Infection
- Stiffness or loss of motion
- Recurrent dislocation or instability
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- Anchor-related problems
- Pain
- Arthritis changes over time
- Complications related to anesthesia
Your surgeon can discuss these risks and how they apply to you based on your individual condition, health and activity goals.
Why Choose Dr. Burns for Anterior Labral Repair in San Antonio, TX?
Travis C. Burns, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine through the John A. Feagin, Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship. His practice centers on arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, hip and knee, which is central to the care of shoulder instability. He performs both arthroscopic stabilization and open procedures, including revision instability operations, so your plan can be matched to your shoulder.
Dr. Burns previously served as Chief of Sports Medicine at San Antonio Military Medical Center, where his clinical focus was complex shoulder, hip and knee injuries. He has been active in research and academic medicine, including more than 35 peer-reviewed publications. You can meet with him at the Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office, depending on what is most convenient for you.
Anterior Labral Repair FAQs
What is anterior labral repair?
Anterior labral repair is surgery that reattaches the torn front of your labrum to the shoulder socket, usually arthroscopically with suture anchors, to help keep your shoulder from dislocating.
Is this the same as a Bankart repair?
Yes, in most cases. A Bankart tear is the common tear at the front-lower labrum, and anterior labral repair addresses it. Your surgeon will confirm the tear pattern on imaging and at surgery.
Can I avoid surgery after a dislocation?
Sometimes. Some patients do well with a sling and therapy, especially if the shoulder stays stable. Younger, active patients have a higher chance of repeat dislocations, so surgery is often discussed.
How long will I wear a sling?
Usually several weeks. Sling time varies, and you will receive instructions based on your repair.
When can I play sports again?
Usually after several months. Your return depends on healing, strength and the type of sport, and contact sports may take longer.
Anterior Labral Repair in San Antonio, TX
If your shoulder dislocates or feels like it slips, an evaluation can help find the cause and discuss next steps. Request an appointment in San Antonio with Dr. Burns at the Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office to discuss your anterior labral repair options. You can call (210) 705-5060 to schedule a visit.
