For athletes, a shoulder injury can be more than just painful—it can be career-altering. Superior labral tears are a common challenge, especially for those engaged in overhead sports or contact activities. For those considering arthroscopic superior labral repair, understanding the likelihood and timeline of returning to preinjury performance is crucial. Recent research done by Dr. Okoroaha’s colleagues offer valuable insights into return-to-play rates across different athletic groups.
Return to Play After Arthroscopic Superior Labral Repair: A Systematic Review
Study Highlights
Patient Demographics:
The analysis included 1759 cases, with 76.7% of patients being male. The average age was 31.5 years, ranging from 15 to 75 years.
Follow-ups:
Patients were monitored for an average of 50.4 months, providing comprehensive long-term data on post-surgical outcomes.
Positive Outcomes:
Overall, 77.5% of athletes returned to play, with 68.2% reaching their preinjury level in an average of 8.2 months. Military personnel showed the highest return rate (83.4%) with a faster recovery time of 4.4 months.
What This Means for Athletes with Shoulder Injuries
For athletes facing a superior labral tear, arthroscopic repair offers a promising path back to competition, though results vary by sport. Overhead athletes face a slightly lower return-to-play rate (69.9%), while collision and contact athletes fare better at 77.2%. Military personnel demonstrate the most encouraging results, with a high likelihood of returning to full duty.
We are committed to providing personalized care and innovative treatments to help patients reach their full potential. To learn more about shoulder instability, shoulder labral tears, latarjet and glenoid reconstruction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kelechi Okoroha today. Seeing patients from Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Edina, Minnetonka, Rochester, and Minnesota ensures that patients receive specialized care aimed at maximizing their athletic performance and long-term shoulder health.
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