Definition
A shoulder labral tear is tear of the labrum. The labrum is the tissue that helps hold the end of the arm bone, known as the humerus, in place.
Causes
Shoulder labral tears occur from an injury or through long-term wear and tear. Common causes include the following:
- Dislocated shoulder
- A violent overhead reach, such as when trying to stop a fall or slide
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chance of a labral tear include:
-
Participation in certain sports, such as:
- Baseball (pitchers)
- Golf
- Weightlifting
- Tennis
- Falling onto your shoulder
- Repetitive movements of the shoulder
- Lifting heavy objects
- Breaking a fall with your arms
- Direct blow to the shoulder
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Shoulder and/or arm pain
- Catching or loosening feeling of the shoulder
- Loss of shoulder range of motion
- Weakness of shoulder and/or arm
- Pain with shoulder movement
- Popping or grinding sensation
- Achiness of the shoulder
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Imaging tests to evaluate the shoulder and surrounding structures may include:
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. You will likely be referred to a specialist such as an orthopedic surgeon. Treatment options include the following:
Medical Treatment
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Rest, heat, and/or ice
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles
Generally, this treatment is tried for several weeks. If there is no improvement, surgery is considered. The doctor may also inject a steroid directly into the shoulder to decrease inflammation and pain.
Surgical Treatment
In a shoulder
arthroscopy
, a surgeon inserts a thin, lighted tube through a small incision to view the injury and fix it. Small instruments are threaded through this tube. The torn ligament/tissue may be removed or sewn together. Wires or tacks may also be used to reattach any torn tendons.
After surgery, a
sling
will need to be worn. When the sling is removed, a physical therapist can help to gradually strengthen the arm muscles and increase motion.
In a shoulder
arthroscopy
, a surgeon inserts a thin, lighted tube through a small incision to view the injury and fix it. Small instruments are threaded through this tube. The torn ligament/tissue may be removed or sewn together. Wires or tacks may also be used to reattach any torn tendons.
After surgery, a
sling
will need to be worn. When the sling is removed, a physical therapist can help to gradually strengthen the arm muscles and increase motion.
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of a shoulder labral tear:
- Use the proper technique when playing sports.
- Avoid putting yourself at risk for trauma to the shoulder area.
- Perform stretching and strengthening exercises that target the shoulder area.
Definition
A shoulder labral tear is tear of the labrum. The labrum is the tissue that helps hold the end of the arm bone, known as the humerus, in place.
Causes
Shoulder labral tears occur from an injury or through long-term wear and tear. Common causes include the following:
- Dislocated shoulder
- A violent overhead reach, such as when trying to stop a fall or slide
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chance of a labral tear include:
-
Participation in certain sports, such as:
- Baseball (pitchers)
- Golf
- Weightlifting
- Tennis
- Falling onto your shoulder
- Repetitive movements of the shoulder
- Lifting heavy objects
- Breaking a fall with your arms
- Direct blow to the shoulder
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Shoulder and/or arm pain
- Catching or loosening feeling of the shoulder
- Loss of shoulder range of motion
- Weakness of shoulder and/or arm
- Pain with shoulder movement
- Popping or grinding sensation
- Achiness of the shoulder
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Imaging tests to evaluate the shoulder and surrounding structures may include:
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. You will likely be referred to a specialist such as an orthopedic surgeon. Treatment options include the following:
Medical Treatment
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Rest, heat, and/or ice
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles
Generally, this treatment is tried for several weeks. If there is no improvement, surgery is considered. The doctor may also inject a steroid directly into the shoulder to decrease inflammation and pain.
Surgical Treatment
In a shoulder
arthroscopy
, a surgeon inserts a thin, lighted tube through a small incision to view the injury and fix it. Small instruments are threaded through this tube. The torn ligament/tissue may be removed or sewn together. Wires or tacks may also be used to reattach any torn tendons.
After surgery, a
sling
will need to be worn. When the sling is removed, a physical therapist can help to gradually strengthen the arm muscles and increase motion.
In a shoulder
arthroscopy
, a surgeon inserts a thin, lighted tube through a small incision to view the injury and fix it. Small instruments are threaded through this tube. The torn ligament/tissue may be removed or sewn together. Wires or tacks may also be used to reattach any torn tendons.
After surgery, a
sling
will need to be worn. When the sling is removed, a physical therapist can help to gradually strengthen the arm muscles and increase motion.
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of a shoulder labral tear:
- Use the proper technique when playing sports.
- Avoid putting yourself at risk for trauma to the shoulder area.
- Perform stretching and strengthening exercises that target the shoulder area.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
a
(Glenoid Labrum Tear; Labral Tear, Shoulder)
References
Labral Tears. Internet Society of Orthopaedic Surgery & Trauma website. Available at:
http://www.orthogate.org/patient-education/shoulder/labral-tears.html. Updated September 4, 2015. Accessed August 24, 2017.
Shoulder Joint Tear (Glenoid Labrum Tear). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00426. Updated January 2001. Accessed August 24, 2017.
What is a labrum/labral tear? Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at:
http://www.hopkinsortho.org/labrum%5Ftear.html. Accessed August 24, 2017.
