If you need assistance, please feel free to give me a call.
We are an out-of-network practice focused on delivering individualized, concierge-level orthopedic care.
At Plancher Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we specialize in advanced, minimally invasive labral repair procedures for shoulder labral tears to restore shoulder stability, reduce pain, and help you return to the lifestyle you love. Serving patients across New York and Connecticut, we combine personalized treatment plans with surgical excellence to address labral tears with care and precision.
The labrum plays a vital role in keeping your shoulder stable and allowing for normal shoulder movements. This ring of cartilage lines the glenoid socket of the shoulder joint, deepening it to support a wide range of motion while preventing dislocation. When the labrum is torn – whether from injury, overuse, or degeneration – patients often experience pain, weakness, instability, or a limited range of motion.
A torn labrum disrupts the mechanics of your shoulder, making even simple movements uncomfortable or unreliable. Left untreated, this can lead to chronic instability or recurring dislocations, along with persistent aching pain.
Labral tears can vary in location and severity, with the two most common types being identified for treatment. The three most common types we see are:
Each of these injuries presents differently, but they often share symptoms such as pain, instability, decreased range of motion, scar tissue buildup, and a catching or locking sensation, along with specific risks that we evaluate.
We begin with a detailed physical exam to assess your symptoms and shoulder mechanics. To confirm a diagnosis, we typically recommend advanced imaging such as MRI or MR arthrography, along with a discussion on pain medication options. These tools allow us to pinpoint the location and extent of the tear and rule out other potential issues.
This thorough diagnostic process helps us develop a treatment plan that’s tailored specifically to your needs and recovery goals.
When possible, we begin with conservative, non-surgical therapies aimed at relieving symptoms and supporting natural healing before considering arthroscopic surgery. These may include:
For many patients, these approaches can be highly effective. But when symptoms persist or significantly impact daily life, we may recommend surgery.
Surgery is typically considered when non-surgical options no longer provide relief. Ongoing pain, instability, or mechanical symptoms like catching or locking are signs that surgical repair may be necessary.
For active individuals or athletes, a labral tear can interfere with both performance in contact sports and daily tasks. In these cases, we often recommend an arthroscopic labral repair procedure to restore stability and function while minimizing disruption to your lifestyle.
Recovery is a gradual process, but every step is guided by our team to ensure safe, steady progress:
Most patients return to full activity within four to six months. Throughout your recovery, we’re with you every step of the way – monitoring your progress, adjusting your program, and answering your questions.
As with any surgery, there are potential risks including infection, stiffness, or the possibility of re-tear. That said, labral repair surgeries typically yield excellent outcomes when performed using the techniques we employ, although there is a higher risk of complications if not done correctly.
Our job is to minimize your risks through careful planning, expert surgical technique, and attentive follow-up care.
At Plancher Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we believe every patient deserves highly personalized care. Dr. Kevin Plancher and our team bring decades of experience and a deep commitment to innovation in shoulder care. We provide:
We also offer same-day appointments, rapid diagnostics, and direct access to your care team whenever questions arise.
If you’re living with shoulder pain or instability, you don’t need to wait for it to get worse. We’re here to help you find answers and a path forward.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our New York or Connecticut office. Let’s restore your strength, stability, and confidence – together.
The labrum is a crucial ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, offering essential stability and cushioning for the shoulder joint. Its integrity is vital for maintaining proper joint function and preventing injuries.
Common symptoms of a labral tear include shoulder pain, instability, a catching or locking sensation, decreased range of motion, and weakness in the shoulder. These signs indicate the need for medical evaluation and potential treatment.
Surgery is necessary for a labral tear when there is persistent pain, mechanical symptoms, or recurrent shoulder dislocations that do not improve with non-surgical treatments. If these conditions persist, a surgical approach, such as shoulder surgery, may be required to alleviate symptoms and restore function.
Arthroscopic labral repair involves the insertion of a small camera into the shoulder joint, allowing for the use of specialized instruments to reattach a torn labrum in the upper arm through minimally invasive incisions. This technique facilitates effective treatment with reduced recovery time.
The recovery process after labral repair surgery typically involves wearing a sling for several weeks, managing pain, undergoing physical therapy, and gradually returning to normal activities and sports, usually within four to six months. Adhering to this timeline is crucial for optimal recovery and can significantly influence the failure rates of the surg .
If you need assistance, please feel free to give me a call.
We are an out-of-network practice focused on delivering individualized, concierge-level orthopedic care.
