torn labrum

BSW, we are in a similar situation with our son, although he doesn't have pain when he raises his arm. (Does hurt occasionally when swinging a bat.) What did you do and how did it work out?

KelleyJr,

Sorry that your son is having problems.

You state in one of your posts that your son has not dislocated his shoulder, but has had one episode of a subluxation.

You also have not stated whether or not he has been through an intensive, supervised therapy program yet.


Unfortunately, the optimum treatment of young athletes with shoulder problems is still not known. Many sportsmedicine and shoulder surgeons feel that any young patient, who has had a dislocation, should most likely be treated surgically, if they wish to continue to participate in high level athletics.

But, there is also literature out there, which shows that young athletes can be treated successfully with intensive physical therapy programs. Most of these studies were done at the USMA (West Point). So, there is some concern as to whether or not "civilian" patients could get the same results, as these highly motivated cadets. Also, the cadets were "ordered" to do therapy, which of course, they did. Civilian patients may not actually be able to participate and/or complete an intensive therapy program, as the cadets did.


If your son has a torn labrum, by MRI, then usually most surgeons would place him in an intensive physical therapy program. If the therapy allows him to return to the level of participation, at which he wishes to compete, then great. If he continues to be hampered by pain, unable to compete at the level he wishes, then usually a diagnostic arthroscopy would be offered. While the surgeon "is in there", any anatomical defects noted would be addressed. Most shoulder problems can now be taken care of arthroscopically. But, the patient does have to be prepared, just in case the shoulder has to be opened.

Of course, after surgery, the patient will have to go through very intense therapy. If the patient is not willing to do the therapy after surgery, then he/she should not have surgery. The surgery is actually the "easy part". It is doing the painful therapy post-op that determines if a procedure is going to be successful or not. And, there is nothing "glorious" or "glamorous" about hitting the gym every day to do boring, often painful, therapy.


As to how to proceed is something that you and your son first need to discuss at length. Then, you need to discuss all of your options with your son's surgeon. Again, there is no one standard solution for all shoulder problems. Every patient's case has to be looked at on an individual basis.

Good luck. Hope your son does well.