Labrum Repair: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Labrum Repair?
An orthopedic surgeon, a surgeon who treats bones and joints, performs labrum repair in the shoulder or the hip. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
The labrum is a rim of cartilage tissue in your shoulder that helps deepen the shoulder socket. In the hip, the labrum forms a gasket around the socket and helps keep the joint stable. During hip arthroscopy, the surgeon can repair or reconstruct the labrum.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A shoulder labral tear can cause deep pain with many different motions. It can sometimes lead to feelings of instability or dislocations of the joint. Your doctor may recommend shoulder surgery if nonsurgical treatments do not fully resolve your symptoms. Surgery may also be recommended if your symptoms return after nonsurgical treatment. Your doctor may recommend hip arthroscopy if you have a painful condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Nonsurgical treatment includes rest, physical therapy, and medications or injections that can reduce inflammation.
How to prepare
- Your doctor will likely order imaging tests. These help make the diagnosis and show how severe the tear is.
- Tell your surgeon about any medications or supplements you take.
- Follow the instructions on when to arrive and when to stop eating or drinking before your surgery.
- Plan for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night.
What happens during it
In the shoulder, a regional nerve block may numb your shoulder and arm. The surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the joint. Tears in the bottom half of the shoulder socket can cause instability or pain. In these cases, the surgeon will typically reattach the labrum and ligaments with suture anchors. In many cases, special devices are used to anchor stitches into bone. A SLAP tear usually happens in the upper part of the socket. If it is limited to the labrum, the surgeon will often remove the torn part. Most arthroscopic shoulder procedures take less than 2 hours. In the hip, the surgeon makes a small cut for the arthroscope and uses other small tools through separate cuts.
Recovery
You will typically wear a sling for 2 to 6 weeks after shoulder surgery. How long depends on the type of repair that was done. The shoulder should be fully healed in 4 to 6 months. After hip arthroscopy, you will stay in the recovery room for 1 to 2 hours before going home. You can expect to be on crutches or a walker for some period of time. After a more extensive hip procedure, you may need crutches for 1 to 2 months. Many people return to full, unrestricted activities after hip arthroscopy. Sometimes the damage is too severe to be completely reversed.
Risks and side effects
Possible problems after shoulder arthroscopy include infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots, and damage to blood vessels or nerves. Complications from hip arthroscopy are uncommon. Any surgery in the hip joint carries a small risk of injury to the surrounding nerves or blood vessels, or to the joint itself. There are also small risks of infection and of blood clots in the legs. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, fainting, or bleeding that will not stop.
Who performs it
An orthopedic surgeon performs labrum repair.
Common questions
Is arthroscopic labrum repair done as an outpatient procedure?
Yes, if you are generally healthy, hip arthroscopy will most likely be done as an outpatient procedure. This means you will not need to stay overnight at the hospital. The same is true for shoulder arthroscopy.
How long does a labrum repair take to heal?
After a shoulder repair, the shoulder should be fully healed in 4 to 6 months. After hip arthroscopy, your recovery will depend on the type of damage that was present in your hip.
Do all labral tears need surgery?
No, not all shoulder labral tears need to be treated with surgery. In many cases, nonsurgical methods effectively relieve symptoms and allow the injured structures to heal.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Shoulder Joint Labral Tear
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Hip Arthroscopy
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Shoulder Arthroscopy
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
