Capsular Tear Repair

Surgery for shoulder instability is indicated for people who have recurrent shoulder dislocations, subluxations or symptoms that affect their daily activities, work, sports or recreation. Surgery may be recommended for young, active individuals after their first anterior dislocation because young patients have a high likelihood (80 percent or greater) of recurrent (repeat) dislocations. Older patients with an anterior dislocation are less likely to re-dislocate and may do well without surgery as long as they do not sustain a fracture or rotator cuff tear with their dislocation. When someone dislocates their shoulder, the capsulolabral tissues (labrum, capsule and ligaments) are torn leaving the shoulder unstable. The goal of surgery is to repair the torn structures and stabilize the shoulder to prevent further instability or dislocations and pain symptoms.

Dr. Chudik utilizes an arthroscopic approach through small incisions (less than 1 cm) to repair the torn capsule, ligaments and labral tissues. He repairs the tissues of the shoulder joint using bio-absorbable anchors and sutures. The anchors are inserted into the glenoid (socket) bone edge and the sutures attached to the anchor are passed through the torn edge of the soft tissue and tied to repair the capsule, ligaments and labrum. Immobilization in a sling for six weeks following surgery allows the torn labrum, capsule, and ligaments to heal in proper position. By approximately four to six months following surgery, the repair site has sufficiently healed and shoulder motion, strength and function are restored to allow a full return to activities.