Shoulder Labral Tear Specialist Singapore

Dr. Bryan Tan

MBBS (Singapore)

MMed (Ortho)

FRCS Ed (Orth)

Posterior instability or shoulder instability is the separation of the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) from the cup-shaped shoulder socket (glenoid) of the shoulder blade (scapula). A Posterior labrum tear is a type of shoulder labral tear that occurs in the back of the shoulder joint. If left untreated, posterior instability and posterior labral tear can lead to other issues such as rotator cuff tears, or cartilage damage.

Dr. Bryan Tan

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Sports have always played a big part in Dr Bryan’s life. His interest in sports and varied sporting activities give him a deep understanding of sports injuries and the mindset of an athlete.
The condition often develops gradually over time and is difficult to detect. This painful condition affects 2-5% of the general population.

Dr Bryan Tan is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, based in Singapore. He completed 2 fellowships in Orthopaedic Sports, Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Sydney, Australia and Nice, France. Prior to private practice, Dr Bryan was a consultant in the Division of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore. He is currently still a visiting consultant at NUH where he actively teaches medical students and young orthopaedic surgical trainees. In addition, he travels to regional countries to teach advanced arthroscopic surgical techniques.

    • MBBS(Singapore)

    • MMed (Ortho)

    • FRCS Ed(Orth)

Dr. Bryan has a special interest in keyhole surgery and performs most of his surgeries using advanced, modern keyhole surgical techniques. He regularly visits fellow surgeons from other countries to ensure his skills and knowledge are cutting edge.

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What Is Posterior Instability and Posterior Labral Tear?

Posterior instability or shoulder instability is the separation of the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) from the cup-shaped shoulder socket (glenoid) of the shoulder blade (scapula). A Posterior labrum tear is a type of shoulder labral tear that occurs in the back of the shoulder joint.

If left untreated, posterior instability and posterior labral tear can lead to other issues such as rotator cuff tears, or cartilage damage.
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Medisave & Insurance Claims

The following are accredited For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners. If your insurance is not listed, you will still be able to make claims for eligible procedures! We have experience processing claims from many other various insurance providers. Please contact us if you have any queries.

How Can Posterior Instability and Posterior Labral Tear Be Treated?

Non-Surgical Treatment

Non-surgical treatment methods are usually recommended for the initial treatment of posterior instability and posterior labral tear.

These methods may include:

  • Physical therapy consisting of simple stretching and strengthening activities to regain lost motion and strength of the shoulders.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen and etoricoxib can help alleviate symptoms such as pain and swelling. The underlying tear will, however, remain unchanged.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is typically required if a labral tear is indeed present and the patient continues to be symptomatic as a result. Generally, the labral tear will not cause much symptoms in “normal” daily life, but will cause pain and reduced function in sports.

Surgery to fix posterior instability or repair a posterior labral tear can be easily performed via a minimally invasive keyhole surgery (also known as arthroscopy). Under general anaesthesia, a small camera is inserted into the shoulder joint. The labral tear is readily seen and can then be fixed by placing stitches around the torn labrum and anchoring the torn labrum to the glenoid rim using small absorbable plastic anchors.

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What’s the first step?

Embark on Your Road to Recovery With Dr Bryan Tan

step 1

Book An Appointment
With Dr. Bryan

Our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your registration, ensuring an efficient and hassle-free process for you. Fill up this form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bryan.

step 2

Initial Consultation & Diagnosis of your Condition

During your consultation, Dr. Bryan will evaluate your medical history and the pain you are experiencing. You may also ask Dr. Bryan any questions you may have about your condition.

step 3

Treatment & Follow Up Visits With Dr. Bryan

After your consultation with Dr. Bryan, our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your follow-up appointment, and provide you with instructions/information for any prescribed treatment plans from Dr. Bryan.

Frequently Asked
Questions

How long will I take to recover?

A surgically repaired labrum typically takes approximately 5 to 6 months to heal completely. Lower limb exercises of cardio exercises can be commenced after just 3-4 days. Physiotherapy is often useful in helping patients to restore full function of the shoulder.

How to prevent posterior instability and posterial labral tear?

  • Strengthen your shoulder and shoulder blade muscles
  • Warm-up and stretch your body before exercising or engaging in rigorous activities
  • Ensure that your body and muscles are suitably conditioned before attempting to perform exercises or activites that involve forceful loading of the shoulders
  • Ensure proper form and technique when engaging in sports or weight lifting

Take the First Step

Book An Appointment

Leave us a few details and Dr. Bryan will get back to you shortly.

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    For faster response, WhatsApp Us!
    +65 8044 5516

    Visit our Clinic

    Feel free to visit our clinic and get to meet our specialist.

    Orthosports@Novena

    38 Irrawaddy Road, #10-41
    Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
    Singapore 329563

    Orthosports@Connexion

    1 Farrer Park Station Road,
    #15-17 Connexion
    Singapore 217562