Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization and Labral Repair

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The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint, helping keep the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) securely in place. When the labrum is torn—often due to shoulder dislocation, repetitive overhead motion, or trauma—it can result in instability, weakness, and a higher risk of further dislocations.

Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization and labral repair is a minimally invasive procedure designed to restore stability to the shoulder joint by reattaching or reinforcing the torn labrum. Dr. Seiter uses advanced arthroscopic techniques to help patients reduce pain, regain function, and return to daily activities and sports with confidence.

Candidates for Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization and Labral Repair

You may be a candidate for arthroscopic shoulder stabilization if you:

Experience recurrent shoulder dislocations or a sensation that your shoulder may “slip out”
Have been diagnosed with a labral tear of the shoulder (Bankart lesion or SLAP tear)
Suffer from shoulder instability after a traumatic injury
Experience clicking, popping, or catching sensations when moving your shoulder
Have shoulder pain or weakness that interferes with sports or overhead activities
Have ongoing symptoms without notable improvement despite physical therapy, rest, or injections
Are an athlete or active individual who places high demands on their shoulder

Dr. Seiter will perform a thorough physical exam and review imaging to determine if arthroscopic stabilization is the best solution for your shoulder instability.

About the Procedure

Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization is performed using small incisions and a fiber-optic camera (arthroscope) to view the joint and guide specialized instruments. The goal is to restore shoulder stability by addressing damage to the labrum and surrounding soft tissues.

Labral Repair: If the labrum is torn but still healthy, Dr. Seiter uses sutures and small anchors to reattach it to the shoulder socket, helping to stabilize the joint and prevent future dislocations.
Capsular Plication (tightening): If the joint capsule has become stretched from trauma or repeated dislocations, Dr. Seiter may also tighten the surrounding soft tissue to restore joint tension and stability.
Labral Reconstruction: If the labrum is too damaged to repair, it may be partially or fully reconstructed using a graft. The graft may come from your own tissue or a donor and helps reestablish shoulder stability in more complex cases.

All of these techniques can be performed arthroscopically, which typically leads to less post-operative pain, smaller incisions, and a faster return to activity compared to open procedures.

Recovery

Here is what most patients can expect for recovery after arthroscopic labral repair and shoulder stabilization:

Sling use for 4 to 6 weeks to protect the repair and minimize shoulder movement
Physical therapy beginning shortly after surgery to gradually restore range of motion
Strengthening exercises typically starting around 6 to 8 weeks post-op
Return to light daily activities within 6 weeks
Return to contact sports or overhead athletics within 4 to 6 months

Dr. Seiter and his team will provide a personalized recovery plan and work closely with you throughout the healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes a labral tear in the shoulder?

Labral tears are often caused by trauma (such as a shoulder dislocation), repetitive overhead movements (seen in throwing athletes), or gradual wear and tear. They are commonly associated with shoulder instability.

What’s the difference between labral repair and reconstruction?

When the tissue is healthy enough, labral repair is performed to preserve it. When it is too damaged to repair, labral reconstruction is performed to replace the damaged tissue with a graft. Both procedures help to restore joint stability and function.

Can shoulder instability be treated without surgery?

In some cases, especially first-time dislocations or mild instability, physical therapy and activity modification may be sufficient. However, patients with recurrent dislocations or persistent instability often require surgical repair to prevent further damage.

Is arthroscopic repair better than open surgery?

Arthroscopic techniques are minimally invasive and offer excellent visualization of the joint. For most shoulder labral tears and instability cases, arthroscopy allows for effective repair with less pain, faster recovery, and smaller incisions.

How do I know if I need open shoulder surgery instead of arthroscopic repair?

Dr. Seiter will evaluate your shoulder using a combination of physical examination and imaging—such as MRI or 3D CT scan—to determine the best surgical option based on your condition and activity level. Whenever possible, he favors minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, but will always recommend the approach that offers the best long-term outcome. While many patients can effectively be treated using arthroscopic techniques, open shoulder surgery may be necessary if there is significant bone loss, a large Hill-Sachs lesion on the humeral head, or a failed prior arthroscopic repair. These structural issues may require procedures like the Latarjet or bone graft augmentation, which are more effectively performed through an open approach.

When can I return to sports after shoulder stabilization?

Most patients can return to sports between 4 and 6 months after surgery, depending on the type of sport, the severity of the original injury, and individual progress in physical therapy.

Will my shoulder be fully stable after surgery?

The goal of surgery is to restore normal joint anatomy and function. When combined with proper rehabilitation, most patients experience long-term improvement in shoulder stability and can safely return to their preferred activities.

Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization and Labral Repair

Candidates for Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization and Labral Repair

About the Procedure

Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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