Labral Debridement Procedure

Labral debridement is a surgical procedure that doctors use to treat a tear of the soft tissue rim that surrounds the shoulder socket called the labrum. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, labral tears can occur from repetitive shoulder motion, direct blow to the shoulder, sudden pull or a violent overhead reach. Doctors treat small tears that have not compromised the shoulder's stability with labral debridement, a procedure that involves both surgery and physical therapy.

Surgical Procedure

• The actual surgical procedure for labral debridement is relatively simple, as described by the physician experts at eOrthopod. The surgeon makes a small incision in your shoulder and inserts an arthroscope, which is a piece of surgical equipment that features both a cutting blade and a small camera. Using an arthroscope allows for smaller incisions and faster healing. The surgeon cuts away at any loose or frayed parts of the labrum, collects the tissue he has cut away, retracts the arthroscope and closes the incision.

Physical Therapy

• Post-surgical physical therapy is an important component of labral debridement because the shoulder will not heal properly if it does not move soon after surgery. According to eOrthopod, careful movement that preserves range of motion but does not reinjure the shoulder is critical. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests wearing a sling for four to six weeks after the surgery; physical therapy will last approximately one to two months, depending on the type of tear. Therapy usually involves range of motion exercises, stretching and strengthening exercises. Both eOrthopod and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimate that full recovery occurs within four to six months.