Labral Repair — Posterior Labral Repair

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE

Key Restrictions

Sling at all times except HEP and PT; sleep in sling; do not reach arm behind back; IR limited to 45° until 12 weeks post-op; no lifting/pulling/pushing >2 lbs until Phase 3; no overhead work until Phase 4

Timeline & Phases

0-2 wks: full sling, pendulums, wrist/elbow ROM, gripping; 2-4 wks: sling, PROM supervised (flex 60°, ext 0°, abd 90°, ER 45°, IR 0°), scapular strengthening, isometrics; 4-6 wks: sling removable at night, PROM progressing (flex 90°, ext 30°, abd full, ER 45° at 90°, IR 30° at 90°), AAROM wall walks, Theraband ER; 6-8 wks: sling off, limit IR 45° until 12 wks, full AROM except IR, isotonic RC (6-8 lbs), UBE/wall push-ups, PNF D1/D2 ≤3 lbs; 8-10 wks: isokinetics with 60° block, prone scaption/horizontal abd, body blade; 10-12 wks: advance IR toward full at 12 wks, strengthening 8-10 lbs, Thrower's 10 for athletes; 12-14 wks: full ROM, weight training; 14+ wks (throwers): interval throwing, isokinetic testing at 16-24 wks

Notes

Key restriction: IR limited to 45° until 12 weeks (posterior labral protection); no reaching behind back; sling worn at all times except therapy; weight training begins week 12-14; throwers: interval throwing from week 14-16; contact sports no sooner than 5 months; isokinetic testing criteria same as anterior labral protocol (ER/IR ratio 70%, bilateral ER 98%, IR 105%)

Published

12/2024