Shoulder Labral Tears

Understanding Shoulder Labral Tears

The labrum is a ring of firm cartilage around the shoulder socket (glenoid). It deepens the shallow socket, helps hold the ball of the humerus in place and serves as an attachment for ligaments and the biceps tendon. Tears can occur anywhere around the rim.

Tears at the top of the labrum are called SLAP tears. Tears of the front and lower labrum, called Bankart lesions, usually happen when the shoulder dislocates forward and are a common cause of repeated dislocations. Posterior labral tears occur with backward instability, often in football linemen, weightlifters and contact athletes.

Treatment depends on symptoms and whether the shoulder is unstable. Many tears improve with physical therapy. Tears that cause repeated instability or persistent pain are treated with arthroscopic labral repair, which reattaches the labrum to the socket.

Causes & Risk Factors

• Shoulder dislocation or subluxation
• Falling on an outstretched arm or a direct blow
• Repetitive overhead and throwing activities
• Heavy lifting and contact sports
• Age-related wear

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of Labral Tears include:

• Aching shoulder pain, often with overhead activity
• Catching, locking, popping or grinding
• A sense that the shoulder is loose or slipping
• Decreased range of motion and strength
• Repeated dislocations or subluxations

Treatment Options

Treatment for Labral Tears depends on the severity of your condition and may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications and rest
• Physical therapy to strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder-blade muscles
• Arthroscopic labral (Bankart or posterior) repair for instability
• Latarjet or distal tibia allograft (DTA) reconstruction when the socket has lost bone