Advanced Solutions for Labral Tears
Expert Care for Bankart and SLAP Lesions
Restoring Stability and Strength to Your Shoulder
A labral tear can significantly limit your range of motion and interfere with your daily activities, whether you are a competitive athlete or just trying to stay active. Our team provides expert diagnosis and personalized care to help you regain full function. Schedule your consultation today.
Understanding Labral Tears
The labrum is a cuff of cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder joint. A SLAP tear affects the top portion near the biceps tendon, while a Bankart tear involves the lower rim, often following a dislocation. Both conditions can significantly limit your range of motion and cause persistent discomfort.
Common Causes of Labral Tears
Acute Trauma
Falls on an outstretched hand or sudden heavy lifting.
Overhead Sports
Repetitive motions in baseball, tennis, or swimming.
Shoulder Dislocation
The primary driver for Bankart lesions.
Our Approach to Care
Identifying Key Symptoms
- Mechanical Sensations: Many patients experience a distinct catching, locking, or “popping” sensation during routine arm movements.
- Joint Instability: Bankart lesions often create a distressing feeling that the shoulder is slipping out of its socket.
- Localized Weakness: SLAP tears frequently result in decreased strength, specifically when lifting objects or performing overhead activities.
Management and Treatment Strategies
We prioritize conservative care, including specialized physical therapy to strengthen the rotator cuff and stabilize the joint. If surgery is required, our surgeons utilize minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to reattach the labrum. This approach minimizes downtime and helps ensure a more resilient, long-term recovery for athletes and active individuals alike.
Recovery and Your Path to Wellness
Recovery involves a structured rehabilitation program designed to restore flexibility and power. Initially, we focus on protecting the repair, followed by gradual strengthening exercises tailored to your specific goals. Our dedicated therapists work closely with you throughout this journey, ensuring you regain the confidence to return to the activities you love.
Meet Our Orthopedic Specialists
Our board-certified surgeons bring years of expertise in treating complex shoulder injuries. By utilizing advanced diagnostics like MRI arthrograms, we ensure your treatment plan is precise and effective. We are committed to providing compassionate, world-class orthopedic care right here in the heart of Texas.
Common Shoulder Pain Treatment Available at All Locations
Austin | Marble Falls | Georgetown
✓ Physical Therapy: Specialized exercises to reinforce the surrounding musculature and improve joint mechanics.
✓ Cortisones & Biologics: Targeted injections to reduce inflammation and promote healing within the damaged labral tissue.
✓ Arthroscopic Repair: Advanced, small-incision surgery to re-anchor the labrum and prevent future dislocations or instability.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before Your Visit
We encourage you to take advantage of our complimentary MRI, X-ray, and CT scan review service. Send us your images, and one of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons will personally review them, offering an expert second opinion and letting you know if you need to come in.
During Your Visit
Conservative Care – We develop a personalized plan, with most patients starting with 6-12 weeks of non-surgical treatment.
Surgical Planning – If surgery is necessary, we utilize advanced computerized, 3D, and Augmented Reality (AR) pre-operative planning for optimal, precise outcomes.
Recovery Support – We ensure close follow-up and coordinate your rehabilitation with our in-house physical therapy team for maximum recovery and a swift return to your active life.
Trusted Care for Central Texas
From Austin to Georgetown and Marble Falls, we are committed to your musculoskeletal health. Our team is ready to help you overcome shoulder instability and return to a life without limitations. Contact Austin Orthopedic Institute to start your recovery.
Why Choose Austin Orthopedic Institute for Shoulder Care?
✓ Advanced Surgical Technology – Access to Computer-Guided and Augmented Reality (AR) techniques for joint replacement
✓ 100% Fellowship-Trained Shoulder Surgeons – Advanced, subspecialty expertise you can trust
✓ Same-Day & Next-Day Appointments – When you’re in pain, we’re here to help quickly
✓ Over 130 Years of Combined Experience – Decades of proven orthopedic success in Central Texas
✓ Comprehensive Care, All Under One Roof – From initial diagnosis to surgery and in-house physical therapy
✓ Conservative Approach First – We exhaust non-surgical options before recommending surgery
✓ Four Convenient Locations – Austin, Marble Falls, Georgetown, and Killeen
✓ Complimentary Second Opinions – Free review of your existing MRI/X-ray/CT scans
Our Locations
Austin Orthopedic Institute has three locations – Austin, Georgetown, and Marble Falls. All of our providers go to the main office in Austin and our Georgetown location. Only Dr. Hurt visits our Marble Falls satellite location.
Related Services
Hand, Wrist & Elbow Care
Sports Medicine
Orthopedic Trauma
Physical Therapy
Austin Orthopedic Institute surgeons has been proudly serving Central Texas since 2004, providing exceptional orthopedic care with a personal touch. Your injury is unique to you—we treat it that way.