Patient experiencing shoulder discomfort

Labrum Repair (Shoulder)

Name: Shoulder Labrum Repair
Creator: Prof Paul Lee

From £9,800

Guide price only. Final cost is confirmed after assessment.

The shoulder labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the socket and keeps the joint stable. Tears to the labrum, whether from a dislocation, repetitive overhead activity, or trauma, can cause pain, clicking, and a feeling that the shoulder may give way. Arthroscopic labrum repair uses suture anchors placed through keyhole incisions to reattach the torn tissue and restore stability. At London Cartilage Clinic, our specialists assess the tear pattern and your activity goals to plan the most effective repair.

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Reviewed byProf Paul Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDLast reviewed 1 May 2026

Surgeon performing arthroscopic shoulder procedure

Types of labral tear
and how they present

Labral tears vary in location, size, and impact on the joint. The surgical approach is tailored to the specific tear pattern and any associated ligament damage.

Bankart tear: occurs at the front-bottom of the labrum, typically after shoulder dislocation. The primary cause of recurrent instability.
SLAP tear: affects the top of the labrum where the biceps tendon anchors. Common in throwing athletes and those performing repetitive overhead movements.
Posterior tear: less common, often associated with internal impingement in overhead athletes.

Accurate diagnosis with MRI arthrogram and clinical examination is essential. Many labral tears are only fully characterised at the time of arthroscopy, which is why specialist assessment matters.

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Surgery and recovery
what to expect

Arthroscopic labrum repair is performed through small incisions using a camera and specialised instruments. The torn labrum is reattached to the bone rim of the socket using bioabsorbable suture anchors.

Sling use for three to six weeks depending on repair extent.
Supervised physiotherapy to restore range of motion and rotator cuff control.
Return to sport guided by functional testing, typically from four to six months.

Our rehabilitation programme is designed around your goals. Whether you need to return to competitive sport or simply reach overhead without apprehension, the milestones are set accordingly.

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You may have more options than you think

Most patients have more treatment options than they have been told

At London Cartilage Clinic we follow a structured clinical framework across four areas of treatment. Before recommending a single procedure, we assess which combination of approaches gives you the best outcome.

Preserve

Protect what you have. Slow degeneration and manage symptoms.

Repair

Fix specific damage. Torn tissue, unstable joints, structural problems.

Regenerate

Rebuild lost tissue. Biological treatments that stimulate new growth.

Replace

When other options are exhausted. Joint replacement as a last resort.

Explore the full range of treatments available for your joint. Each hub page shows every option we offer, organised by clinical approach.

Explore Shoulder Options

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shoulder labrum and why does it matter?

The labrum is a ring of fibrous cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket (glenoid). It deepens the socket, helps hold the ball of the humerus in place, and serves as an attachment point for ligaments and the biceps tendon. When torn, the shoulder can become unstable, painful, or both.

What types of labral tears are there?

The most common types are Bankart tears (lower front of the labrum, typically from dislocations), SLAP tears (superior labrum where the biceps attaches), and posterior labral tears. Each has different causes, symptoms, and surgical considerations.

How long does it take to recover from shoulder labrum repair?

Recovery typically involves a sling for three to six weeks, followed by progressive range of motion and strengthening. Most patients return to non-contact sport between four and six months. Contact or overhead sport may take six to nine months depending on the type of repair and your progress.

Can a labral tear heal without surgery?

Some labral tears, particularly small degenerative tears, may be managed with physiotherapy and injection therapy. However, tears causing recurrent instability or significant mechanical symptoms usually benefit from surgical repair to prevent further damage to the joint.

Will my shoulder feel stable again after labrum repair?

Labrum repair has a high success rate for restoring shoulder stability, particularly in Bankart repairs following dislocation. Commitment to the rehabilitation programme is important for building the muscular control that supports the surgical repair long-term.

Still have more specific concerns?

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London Cartilage Clinic