Labral Repair — Posterior Labral Repair (Arthroscopic or Open)

University of New Mexico Sports Medicine · Dr. Gehron Treme MD; Dr. Andrew Veitch MD; Dr. Dustin Richter MD; Dr. Daniel…

Weight-Bearing

Sling/immobilizer at all times wks 0-2; sling during day wks 2-4 (OK to remove at night); D/C sling at 6 wks; PT typically starts at 6 wks

Key Restrictions

No PT wks 0-6 (home program only); keep arm in front of body out of sling — do NOT reach behind back; IR limited to 45 deg (both arm at side and arm at 90 ABD) until 12 wks post-op; no overhead activities until wks 8-10; no overhead presses/military press until month 6; isokinetic strengthening with 60 deg block wks 8-10; IR limited to 45 deg is a key distinguishing precaution

Timeline & Phases

Staged by weeks: 0-2 (immobilizer, distal AROM + pendulums), 2-4 (sling daytime, sub-max isometrics, PROM: FF 60, ext neutral, ABD 90, ER 45, IR neutral only), 6 wks (D/C sling, PROM progresses, Theraband ER, wall walks), 6-8 wks (AROM full except IR ≤45, UBE, wall push-ups, isotonic RTC 0-6 lbs), 8-10 wks (prone strengthening, rhythmic stabilization, isokinetic with 60 deg block), 10-12 wks (RTC to 8-10 lbs), 12+ wks (full IR, functional retraining)

Notes

.edu site (UNM medical school); covers arthroscopic and open posterior labral repair; PT starts 6 wks (later than most protocols — home program only for first 6 wks); IR ≤45 deg until 12 wks is the defining restriction; isokinetic strengthening with 60 deg block at wks 8-10 (speeds 180-60 deg/sec); prone T/Y/W strengthening; no overhead presses x 6 months; 5 faculty surgeons listed

Surgeon / Author

Dr. Gehron Treme MD; Dr. Andrew Veitch MD; Dr. Dustin Richter MD; Dr. Daniel Wascher MD; Dr. Robert Schenck MD