Is labral repair done with a suture anchor?

The labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage around a joint socket. In the shoulder or hip, a tear can affect stability, movement, or comfort. During arthroscopic repair, the surgeon examines the tear through small access points and prepares the attachment area. A suture anchor is placed in the rim of the socket, and attached stitches are passed through the labral tissue. Tying or securing those stitches brings the tissue back toward its intended position while healing occurs. The number and location of anchors depend on the tear pattern, joint, tissue quality, and surgical findings. Some labral problems need a different procedure rather than anchor repair.

Before surgery, discuss the joint involved, the repair method, and whether the plan could change after the surgeon sees the tear. Ask about sling or crutch use, permitted range of motion, sleeping position, wound care, and the timing of physiotherapy. Protecting the repair early may mean limiting lifting, reaching, rotation, or weight-bearing. Follow the written exercise plan rather than testing the joint because it feels better. Learn more about [Suture Anchor](/materials/suture-anchor/) and [Labral Repair](/treatments/sports-and-arthroscopic-surgery/labral-repair/).

Contact the surgical team for worsening redness, drainage, fever, uncontrolled pain, or swelling around the wound. Seek urgent help for a cold or pale hand or foot, new loss of sensation, marked weakness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. A sudden pop followed by substantial loss of movement should also be assessed promptly. Do not remove a dressing or change immobiliser settings unless your care team has explained how.

Which part of my labrum is torn? Will you repair it with anchors or use another technique? What movements must I avoid first? When can physiotherapy begin? What symptoms would suggest that the repair needs an earlier review?