WHAT IS A SHOULDER LABRAL TEAR?
The labrum is cartilage tissue that holds the “ball” (humeral head) in the “socket” (glenoid) of your shoulder. A shoulder labral tear can occur due to a lifting injury, a fall on the arm, a sudden pull on the arm or having the arm twisted at the shoulder joint.
SYMPTOMS OF SHOULDER LABRAL TEARS
Like many injuries that occur within the shoulder, a labral tear is often accompanied by pain and reduced mobility in the joint. Because we use our arms and shoulders for daily activities, it can be difficult to ignore the symptoms of a labral tear, and many patients find they can pinpoint the moment a tear occurs.
The most common symptoms of a labral tear are as follows:
- A locking, clicking or catching sensation in the joint
- Pain, though the location may depend on where exactly the tear has occurred
- Stiffness or a limited range of motion in the joint.
TYPES OF SHOULDER LABRAL TEARS
There are three primary types of labral tears, each of them affecting the same cartilage tissue in a slightly different way or location. The most common types of labral tears are:
SLAP TEARS
A Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior tear, or SLAP tear, is most commonly seen in athletes who regularly throw or use athletic equipment from overhead, such as baseball and tennis players. Other common causes of this tear include falling on an outstretched arm, falling directly on the shoulder or lifting heavy objects repeatedly or too suddenly.
BANKARAT LESIONS
A Bankart lesion occurs when the shoulder becomes dislocated, coming fully out of the joint. When a dislocated shoulder occurs, the labrum is torn and makes the shoulder more susceptible to future dislocations. This type of labral tear is especially common in young athletes playing a wide variety of sports.
POSTERIOR LABRAL TEARS
Posterior labral tears are less common, though they can sometimes be seen in athletes who play a sport requiring them to push with their arms in front of them, such as an offensive lineman in football.
SHOULDER LABRAL TEAR DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
“Appropriate rehabilitation is critical to achieving a successful outcome. I work closely with the physical therapist to develop a specific rehabilitation program for every patient. For athletes, we also include the athletic trainer(s) and coaches in our ‘team’ approach to treatment.” — Dr. Vic Goradia
Because a history of shoulder injuries can make the joint more susceptible to further damage, your doctor may suspect a labral tear based on your medical history. At your consultation, you will be asked questions about your pain and past injuries to your shoulder that may suggest labral damage. Labral tears are very difficult to see even with an MRI, so the first step to confirming a diagnosis is often to order an arthrogram known as an MRA. In this process, a dye is injected into the shoulder prior to an MRI for improved visibility.
The proper treatment for a labral tear will depend on your particular injury, activity level, age and orthopedic surgery needs. You will not know what the doctor will recommend in your particular case until you sit down for your consultation, but there are certain general guidelines that many patients fall under.
Regardless of age, if patients have recurrent dislocations or are apprehensive about participating in activities because of their shoulder, Dr. Goradia will discuss surgical options to repair the tear. If you think you or someone you know may require treatment for a labral tear, contact G2 Orthopedics and Sports Medicine today. Whether you’re a recreation athlete, injured worker or simply an individual looking for a second professional opinion on your injury and treatment options, Dr. Goradia is passionate about providing each patient with the quality of care given to professional athletes. Request an appointment online or give us a call at 804-678-9000 to get started.
