Shoulder Labrum Repairs Specialist
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Louis Peter Re, Jr., MD
located in Midtown West, New York, NY
If you can no longer lift your shoulder without difficulty or pain, you may have a damaged shoulder labrum. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Louis Peter Re Jr., MD, is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating shoulder labrum injuries. At his office in the Midtown West area of Manhattan, New York City, Dr. Re offers customized shoulder labrum repair services, including minimally invasive surgery, to restore function in your shoulder and help you find relief from chronic pain. Schedule an appointment to learn more about available shoulder labrum repair services online or by phone today.
Shoulder Labrum Repairs Q & A
What is a shoulder labrum?
Within your shoulder are three bones that include your collarbone, shoulder blade, and your upper arm bone (humerus). The head of the humerus bone sits inside a shallow socket of your shoulder blade known as the glenoid.
Because the head of the humerus is typically larger than the glenoid, a soft tissue known as the labrum covers the socket to keep your joint in place. The shoulder labrum also attaches to other ligaments to allow movement.
What causes shoulder labrum injuries?
Any trauma to the shoulder can cause stretching and tears in the labrum. One of the most common causes of shoulder labrum injuries is falling on an outstretched arm.
You may also damage the shoulder labrum due to:
- Violent overhead reach
- Improperly lifting heavy objects
- Contact injuries in the shoulder
Athletes are often at increased risk for shoulder labrum tears due to repetitive use of their shoulder joint with required movements of their sport.
What are the symptoms of a shoulder labrum injury?
You may have a damaged shoulder labrum if you develop pain in your shoulder, especially when you try to lift your arm over your head. Other common symptoms of a shoulder labrum injury include:
- Shoulder instability
- Frequent shoulder dislocations
- Loss of shoulder or arm strength
- Decreased shoulder range of motion
You may also hear a popping or grinding sound with shoulder movements or feel your shoulder joint locking up with activity.
Do I need surgery for shoulder labrum repair?
If Dr. Re confirms you have tears in your shoulder labrum, he may first recommend conservative therapies to reduce pain and increase your shoulder mobility. These therapies may include physical therapy, joint injections, and over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.
When these therapies fail to keep you pain-free, Dr. Re may recommend arthroscopic surgery to repair the damaged labrum and surrounding tissue. During arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Re examines the labrum and the biceps tendon. If the damage is confined to the labrum without involving the tendon, then the torn flap of the labrum will be removed.
In cases where the tendon is also involved or if there is detachment of the tendon, absorbable wires or sutures will be used to repair and reattach the tendon. After the surgery, you will be given a shoulder sling to wear for 3-4 weeks. Dr. Re works with you on a rehabilitation plan to restore function in your shoulder and ensure you heal fully. This typically involves physical therapy and at-home exercises to improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles that support your shoulder joint.
If you have a limited range of motion or chronic pain in your shoulder, don’t delay a diagnostic evaluation. You can call the office of Louis Peter Re Jr., MD, or book an appointment through the online booking feature today.