A shoulder labral tear is an injury to the ring of cartilage (labrum) that helps keep your shoulder joint stable. The labrum acts like a bumper, deepening the socket where your arm bone fits and helping keep your shoulder from slipping out of place. Labral tears often happen after a fall, sports injury, or sudden force to the shoulder, and can lead to pain, clicking, or a feeling that the shoulder might "pop out" or dislocate.[12]

Risk Factors for Repeat Dislocation

Some people are more likely to have their shoulder dislocate again after a labral tear. The main risk factors include:

• Younger age (especially under 20-25 years old)

• Playing contact or competitive sports

• Having more than one dislocation before surgery

• Certain types of labral tears (like ALPSA lesions or tears in the lower front part of the labrum)

• Bone loss in the shoulder socket or arm bone (glenoid or Hill-Sachs lesions)

• Delaying surgery for more than 6 months after the first dislocation[5-7]

Non-Operative Treatments

For some people, especially those who are older or less active, non-surgical treatment may be recommended first. This usually includes:

• Rest and wearing a sling for a few weeks

• Physical therapy to strengthen shoulder muscles and improve movement

• Pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs

• Sometimes, bracing to help prevent another dislocation

About half of people treated this way do not have another dislocation, but younger, active patients have a much higher risk of repeat instability.[4][13-15]

Operative Treatments

Surgery is often recommended for young, active people, those with repeat dislocations, or those with certain types of labral tears or bone loss. The most common surgery is arthroscopic labral repair (Bankart repair), where the torn labrum is reattached to the socket using small anchors and stitches. Other procedures may be needed if there is bone loss or a large injury, such as the Remplissage, Latarjet procedure, or bone grafting.[1][3][9-11][16-18]

Types of Fixation

• Suture anchors: Small devices (metal or dissolvable) placed in the bone to hold the labrum in place

• Special techniques: For large or complex tears (like 270° or circumferential tears), multiple anchors are used to repair the labrum all around the socket[9-11]

Typical Postoperative Course

• First 4-6 weeks: The arm is kept in a sling to protect the repair. Gentle movement exercises may start early, but no heavy lifting or sports.

• Physical therapy: Begins with gentle range-of-motion exercises, then progresses to strengthening over several months. Therapy is key for a good recovery.[8]

• Recovery: Most people return to normal activities in 4-6 months, but full return to sports may take longer. Your surgeon and therapist will guide you through each step.

• Risks: There is a small chance of repeat dislocation, especially in younger athletes or those with certain tear types. Stiffness or pain can occur but usually improves with therapy.[6-7]

Summary

Labral tears can cause pain and instability in the shoulder. Treatment depends on your age, activity level, and the type of tear. Surgery offers the best chance to prevent repeat dislocation in young, active people, while non-surgical care may work for others. Rehabilitation is important for a full recovery.

Schedule an appointment with us if you have a labral tear and would like to discuss your treatment options!