Labrum Repair Surgery Guide

What Is a Labrum Tear?

The labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage that lines the rim of the shoulder socket (glenoid), deepening it by up to 50% and providing a bumper for the ball of the humerus. Labral tears cause clicking, catching, pain with overhead motion, and a feeling of shoulder instability. They commonly result from shoulder dislocations, falls, repetitive overhead sports, or wear and tear.

Types of Labral Tears and Surgery

Bankart Tear: Tear at the front-bottom of the labrum from anterior dislocation. Repaired arthroscopically with suture anchors to restore stability. Most common surgical labral repair.

SLAP Tear: Tear at the top where the biceps tendon attaches. Treatment depends on age and activity — repair, biceps tenodesis, or debridement.

Posterior Labral Tear: Less common. Seen in football linemen and patients with posterior instability. Arthroscopic repair.

Cost

Labrum repair costs $6,000 to $25,000 before insurance depending on tear complexity and whether additional procedures are needed. Most insurance covers labrum surgery when documented instability or failed conservative treatment is present.

Recovery

Weeks 1-4: Sling, gentle pendulum exercises.
Weeks 4-8: Begin active range of motion. Sling discontinued.
Months 2-4: Strengthening begins.
Months 4-6: Return to non-contact activities.
Months 6-9: Return to contact sports and overhead athletics.

Frequently Asked Questions