Arthroscopic labral repair and shoulder stabilization in National Hockey League players are associated with decreased performance in the first year of return to play with return to baseline in the second year.

BACKGROUND

Few studies have assessed performance in National Hockey League players following shoulder labral repair and stabilization using advanced statistics. Our objective was to assess National Hockey League player performance following shoulder labral repair and stabilization.

METHODS

National Hockey League players who underwent surgical procedures for labral repair and stabilization between 2008 and 2022 were identified using a publicly available injury database. We obtained demographic and outcome data for one-year preinjury and two years postinjury. Our primary outcome was wins above replacement per 60 minutes played (WAR/60). A matched cohort based on position, draft year, and index season performance was established. Outcomes were compared between cases and controls with a paired -test.

RESULTS

We identified 94 eligible patients who underwent shoulder labral repair or stabilization. Preinjury, postinjury year one, and postinjury year two WAR/60 were 0.03, 0.02, and 0.03 compared to 0.03, 0.06, and 0.05 in controls ( = .33, .00, .07, respectively). Offensive performance was lower both one and two years postinjury when compared to controls ( = .00, = .01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Shoulder labral tears and glenohumeral instability requiring surgical management are associated with decreased overall performance one year postsurgery with return to baseline by postinjury year two. Offensive performance remained decreased at the second postinjury year.