Labrum Surgery

[tckelly2]

I had surgery on a torn labrum back on December 20th of 2008. I tore the shoulder 14 months prior to the surgery so it kept getting worse, but being a college student and working i didnt have time to fix it. My question is that it has been 10 months now and i still cant reach behind my back without pain, some throwing motions, and some shruging motions without pain. How long does it take for these pains to go away, or did i possibly retear my shoulder during the recovery phase?

[Archibald S Miller III, MD,FACS]

Then from what it sounds like, you may need more surgery. Remember, that injuries cannot totally be repaired with surgery. Trauma can permanently destroy muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. Although we doctors try, we cannot always restore total form and function. I suggest you go seek a second opinion from a college based orthopedic surgeon who does frequent repairs on shoulder injuries.  I hope this helps, respectfully,

                        arch s miller ms md facs

[Archibald S Miller III, MD,FACS]

Yes, an MRI would show the problem.

                   arch s miller

[tckelly2]

just one quick question? Do you think that an MRI would show if i do need surgery again to repair it further, or if it is just scartissue that is causing the pain. If an MRI would show the tear even if there is scar tissue then i will schedule one of those for my christmas break.
Thanks alot you have been alot of help

[tckelly2]

i also know that it was a slap tear and that it was not a clean tear, it was frayed from workign and lifting weights with it torn

[tckelly2]

i did have it repaired, the doctor said he expected a full recovery but i still have pain and limited motion reaching behind my back 10 months out of the surgery. I also went to physical therapy for almost 5 full months.

[Archibald S Miller III, MD,FACS]

I am not sure I understand. Did you have it repaired? If not, and you allowed it to heal down, it may now be scarred and very difficult for someone to fix. You will likely not regain normal function without physical rehabilitation, and will probably require surgery to get some normal function back. It is likely you will never have totally normal range of motion. I am sorry, but the repair is probably necessary.

                                arch s miller ms md facs