Labrum Tears: Symptoms and Surgical Repair Options in Sedalia, Missouri
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain and live in Sedalia, Missouri, understanding the symptoms and treatment options for labrum tears can help you make an informed decision about your care. A labrum tear can result from a sports injury, repetitive motion, or even a fall, and it often leads to pain, instability, and a restricted range of motion. When left untreated, a labrum tear can significantly impact your daily life. At Missouri Valley Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, Dr. Brian Ellefsen, an experienced orthopedic and sports medicine physician in Sedalia, provides comprehensive care for labrum tears and other shoulder injuries.
Whether you’re an athlete, an active adult, or someone dealing with shoulder pain, knowing more about labrum tears can help you determine if it’s time to seek specialized orthopedic care close to home in Sedalia, MO.
Understanding Labrum Tears and Their Symptoms
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket, helping to stabilize the joint and keep the arm bone in place. A tear in this cartilage can cause pain, weakness, and limited mobility. Here are the main types of labrum tears:
SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior): Common among athletes, especially those who use overhead motions, a SLAP tear occurs at the point where the bicep tendon attaches to the labrum.
Bankart Tear: This tear is frequently seen in younger patients and occurs in the lower part of the labrum, often after a shoulder dislocation.
Posterior Labrum Tear: Although less common, a posterior labrum tear can result from trauma to the back part of the shoulder.
Common symptoms of a labrum tear include:
Shoulder Pain: This can be a dull ache or sharp pain, particularly during overhead movements.
Clicking or Popping Sensations: Many people feel or hear a clicking or popping when they move their shoulder.
Weakness and Instability: A labrum tear often leads to shoulder weakness and a sense that the shoulder may “give out.”
Difficulty Sleeping on the Affected Shoulder: Sleeping on the injured shoulder may increase discomfort.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the shoulder fully can be a sign of a tear.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Brian Ellefsen and his team at Missouri Valley Sports Medicine and Orthopedics can help you with a comprehensive assessment to determine the cause of your shoulder pain.
Surgical Repair Options for Labrum Tears
Not every labrum tear requires surgery, and some patients respond well to physical therapy or other non-surgical treatments. However, if pain and instability persist, surgery might be the best option. Here in Sedalia, Dr. Ellefsen offers the latest in minimally invasive surgical procedures to repair labrum tears and restore shoulder function. Here’s an overview of common surgical options:
1. Arthroscopic Labral Repair
Arthroscopic labral repair is a minimally invasive procedure where small incisions are made around the shoulder, allowing Dr. Ellefsen to use a tiny camera and specialized instruments to reattach the torn labrum. This technique is commonly used for SLAP and Bankart tears and is popular among athletes because it often allows a quicker recovery.
2. SLAP Repair
For patients with a SLAP tear, Dr. Ellefsen may recommend a SLAP repair, where the surgeon reattaches the labrum to the shoulder socket. This repair option is especially beneficial for athletes who rely on overhead movements, like baseball players or tennis players, as it addresses the specific area of the tear.
3. Bankart Repair
Bankart tears, often caused by shoulder dislocations, can lead to chronic shoulder instability. During a Bankart repair, the labrum is reattached to the lower part of the shoulder socket to provide stability and prevent future dislocations.
4. Biceps Tenodesis
For some patients with SLAP tears, especially older adults, Dr. Ellefsen may recommend a biceps tenodesis. This procedure involves moving the bicep tendon attachment to relieve stress on the labrum and reduce pain.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from labrum repair surgery requires a commitment to physical therapy and following a structured rehabilitation plan. Dr. Ellefsen and the team at Missouri Valley Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in Sedalia, MO, work closely with patients to ensure a safe and effective recovery process. Most patients can expect a few months of physical therapy, but a full recovery timeline depends on the type and extent of the repair. With the right care, patients often regain strength, stability, and mobility in the shoulder, allowing them to return to the activities they love.
Why Choose Dr. Brian Ellefsen at Missouri Valley Sports Medicine and Orthopedics?
Finding an orthopedic specialist in Sedalia with the experience and expertise to treat labrum tears is essential for a successful recovery. Dr. Brian Ellefsen at Missouri Valley Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is well-known in Sedalia for his dedication to patient-centered orthopedic care. Located at 2100 W Main St, Sedalia, MO, Dr. Ellefsen and his team provide expert diagnosis, treatment options, and rehabilitation support, all under one roof.
If you think you may be dealing with a labrum tear or any other shoulder issue, don’t wait to get help. Contact Missouri Valley Sports Medicine and Orthopedics at (660) 826-5750 or visit them in person at 2100 W Main St, Sedalia, MO 65301. You can also learn more about their services at www.mvsmo.com to see how Dr. Ellefsen and his team can help you get back to feeling your best.
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