There are two joints in the human body that contain a labrum: the shoulder and the hip. Both joints are classified as ball-and-socket joints, and the labrum is a circle of cartilage that cushions the socket, allowing multi-directional movement. Tears in the labrum are difficult to diagnose simply by physical findings, therefore an MRI or anthroscopy is used to confirm.
Non-Operative Treatment
After receiving confirmation of a torn labrum, conservative treatment dictates immobilization of the shoulder or assisted weight-bearing of the hip for four weeks. Anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by a doctor and range of motion stretches are also recommended. This type of treatment is used to stabilize symptoms, rather than fully heal the labrum. For a full recovery, surgery followed by rehabilitation exercises is the most effective treatment.
Post-Operation Limitations
Following surgery, you need to be on crutches or in a sling for three days to four weeks, depending on the invasiveness of the surgery. For six to 12 weeks, the activities that are absolutely avoided are explosive and rotational types of movements.
Post-Operation Range of Motion
Both the hip and shoulder joints naturally have a large range of motion. Stretching to regain this range can begin as early as seven to 10 days post-operation. Using a stationary bike for the hip or an arm bike for the shoulder will begin to regain the movement in each joint. Begin by attempting to do one to two minutes at a time, multiple times a day, or as prescribed by your physician. Increase the minutes as tolerated.
Post-Operation Strengthening
Full strengthening exercises can generally begin when you have reached 75 percent of your normal range of motion. This is primarily to decrease the chances of soft tissue injuries, such as tendonitis, during the rehabilitation process. Body-weight exercises like squats or pushups can be repeated eight to 10 times, one to three times per day, with your physician's approval.
Post-Operation Return to Normal Function
Returning to normal activities is dependent on when you reach full range of motion of the joint with no pain and full strength of the surrounding muscles. Typically, the estimated range is four to six months to full recovery post-operation.
References
- "Principles of Anatomy and Physiology"; Gerard J. Tortora, et al.; 2006
- "Clinical Guide to Sports Injuries"; Roald Bahr, et al.; 2004
- "The Hip and Pelvis in Sports Medicine and Primary Care"; Peter H. Seidenberg, et al.; 2010
- "AANA Advanced Arthroscopy: The Hip Expert Consult"; J.W. Thomas Byrd, et al.; 2010
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