Ja Morant Injury: What Is a Labrum Tear? How Long Is the Recovery Time After Surgery?

Ja Morant - Memphis Grizzlies v Los Angeles Clippers

(Photo : Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - Ja Morant (#12) of the Memphis Grizzlies calls a play to teammates during the first half of a game against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on December 29, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

The Memphis Grizzlies face another setback, with star Ja Morant being ruled out for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season after suffering a torn labrum on his right shoulder.

According to the team, the injury occurred during a training session on Saturday, January 6, when the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year experienced a subluxation of his right shoulder.

Subsequent evaluations, including an MRI, confirmed the presence of a labral tear. Morant will undergo surgery, effectively ending his season, but he is anticipated to fully recover in time for the 2024-25 NBA season.

Morant recently made a comeback on December 19 after serving a 25-game suspension for a gun-flashing incident on social media.

Since his return, the Grizzlies have achieved success, winning their first four games with the dynamic guard back in action. Notably, Morant made a dramatic impact in his return game, sealing a victory with a buzzer-beater.

The two-time NBA All-Star was absent from their game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, January 7, citing a sore right shoulder before the season-ending announcement.

Morant has averaged 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.1 assists in just nine games this season while shooting 47.1 percent from the field.

Memphis went 6-3 during the games where the 2022 All-NBA Second Team member saw action.

What is a Shoulder Labrum Tear?

The labrum is a form of cartilage located within the shoulder joint, classified as a ball-and-socket joint connecting the arm to the body. It serves as the anchor point for the shoulder ligaments and supports the ball-and-socket joint, along with the rotator cuff tendons and muscles.

The cartilage plays a crucial role in maintaining shoulder stability. When the labrum is torn, it can result in partial or complete shoulder dislocation.

A labrum tear can take various forms, with the first type involving a complete detachment of the labrum from the bone. This typically occurs in connection with a shoulder injury, often during subluxation or dislocation.

As indicated by the Grizzlies' statement, Morant's recent injury likely involves this type of tear, possibly resulting from a shoulder subluxation or dislocation.

How Long Is the Recovery Time for Shoulder Labrum Tear Surgery?

In the initial four weeks of shoulder labrum surgery recovery, a sling is worn consistently, and exercises emphasize passive range of motion (PROM), according to OrthoVirginia.

Progressing to weeks four to six, active assisted range of motion (AAROM) exercises are introduced, still avoiding independent lifting.

Active range of motion (AROM) exercises begin cautiously by week six. After 12 weeks, the focus shifts to aggressive strength training, potentially including sport-specific exercises for those aiming to return to sports.

Morant could take as little as three months to recover, but he might not be motivated to return to the court this season given the Grizzlies' poor record and low chances of even making the play-in tournament.