How does labral repair work?

The labrum is a ring of tough cartilage around the socket of the hip or shoulder. It helps deepen the socket and contributes to joint stability. During arthroscopic repair, the surgeon views the joint through a small camera, prepares the attachment area, and places anchors in the bone near the tear. Stitches passed through the labrum hold it against the rim while the tissue heals.

A hip labral tear and a shoulder labral tear have different causes, patterns, and rehabilitation restrictions. If tissue cannot be repaired or another problem is present, the surgeon may discuss trimming or a different procedure instead.

Protection is central in the early phase. A sling may be used after shoulder repair, while hip repair may involve crutches and limits on weight-bearing or hip movement. Your physiotherapist then progresses gentle range-of-motion work, followed by strength, control, and activity-specific exercises. Do not test the repair by lifting, reaching, pivoting, or returning to sport before the agreed stage.

Report fever, wound drainage, increasing redness, uncontrolled pain, new weakness, or persistent numbness. After shoulder surgery, urgent assessment is needed for a cold or discoloured hand; after hip surgery, seek urgent help for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or major calf swelling.

Where is the tear, and is repair more suitable than trimming? How many anchors might be needed, what movement must I avoid, and when can I drive, work, swim, or return to sport? Which symptoms should trigger an early review?