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Shoulder Labral Tears

Shoulder labral tears are a common injury that can cause pain and limited mobility in the shoulder. The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula) that deepens the socket and stabilizes the joint. Many tears improve with physical therapy, and arthroscopic surgery can repair tears that cause persistent pain or instability.

What Is A Shoulder Labral Tear?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint with a very shallow socket, which allows a wide range of motion. The labrum, a rim of cartilage around the socket, deepens it and serves as an anchor for the biceps tendon and the ligaments that hold the shoulder together.
 
A labral tear weakens this anchor. Depending on its location, a tear can cause pain with overhead activity, clicking or catching, or instability, a feeling that the shoulder may slip out. A tear at the top of the labrum is called a SLAP tear. Labral tears often occur alongside rotator cuff injuries.

Treatments For Shoulder Labral Tears

Most patients begin with conservative care. Surgery is recommended when it is not effective.

Non-surgical care

  • Physical therapy. Improves shoulder strength and mobility, reducing pain and instability.
  • NSAIDs. Over-the-counter pain relievers reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Corticosteroid injections. Reduce inflammation and pain in some cases.
  • Activity modification. Limiting overhead and throwing activities while symptoms settle.

Surgical options

After surgery, physical therapy restores strength and range of motion.

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How a Shoulder Labral Tear is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a history of the injury and a physical examination using specific tests that stress the labrum and check shoulder stability. X-rays rule out bone injury. MRI, or MR arthrography with contrast dye in the joint, shows the labrum and surrounding tissues in detail.
 
If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review. Our team will examine your imaging and help point you toward effective treatment.
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Illustration of shoulder pain highlighted in the shoulder joint

What Causes Shoulder Labral Tears?

There are several potential causes of shoulder labral tears, including:

Traumatic injury

A direct blow to the shoulder or a fall on an outstretched arm.

Shoulder dislocation

The ball forced out of the socket can tear the labrum.

Overuse

Repetitive overhead activities such as throwing or lifting weights.

Degenerative changes

The labrum becomes worn and brittle with age.

Sudden pulling

A sudden pull on the arm, such as catching a heavy object.

Shoulder instability

A loose joint stresses the labrum with everyday motion.

Types Of Labral Tears

Labral tears are named for where they occur around the socket.

SLAP tear

Top of the labrum

Where the biceps tendon attaches; common in throwing athletes.

Bankart tear

Front and lower labrum

Usually follows a shoulder dislocation and can cause instability.

Posterior tear

Back of the labrum

Less common; seen in contact sports and weightlifting.

Learn more about SLAP tears.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shoulder labrum?

The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the socket of the shoulder blade (the glenoid). It deepens the shallow socket, stabilizes the joint, and anchors the biceps tendon and shoulder ligaments.

What does a shoulder labral tear feel like?

Common symptoms include shoulder pain, especially with overhead activity, weakness, a popping, clicking, or catching sensation, and sometimes a feeling that the shoulder may slip out.

What are the types of shoulder labral tears?

A SLAP tear involves the top of the labrum. A Bankart tear involves the front-lower labrum, usually after a dislocation. Posterior tears involve the back of the labrum.

Can a shoulder labral tear heal without surgery?

Many tears, especially degenerative ones, improve with physical therapy, medication, and injections. Tears that cause repeated instability or persistent pain may need surgery.

How is a shoulder labral tear diagnosed?

A physical examination with specific shoulder tests, along with MRI or MR arthrography, which uses contrast dye in the joint, shows the labrum in detail.

What surgery is used for a labral tear?

Shoulder arthroscopy is used to repair the labrum back to the bone, or to trim a frayed tear, through small incisions.

How long is recovery after labral repair?

Most patients use a sling for several weeks, followed by physical therapy. Return to sports, especially throwing, often takes several months.

Where can I be seen for a shoulder injury?

Total Spine and Orthopedics treats shoulder injuries in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule.

Symptoms Of A Shoulder Labral Tear

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain in the shoulder, especially with overhead activities.
  • Weakness in the shoulder.
  • Popping, clicking, or catching in the shoulder.
  • Instability, a sense that the shoulder may slip out.
  • Decreased range of motion and reduced throwing performance.
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Related Conditions

SLAP Tears

SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tears are a type of shoulder injury that affects the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint. The labrum helps to stabilize the joint and provides a surface for the shoulder blade to move on. A SLAP tear occurs when the labrum is damaged, usually from a traumatic event such as a fall or a sports injury.

Rotator Cuff Tears

A rotator cuff tear is a very common condition in the shoulder that can cause recurring pain, weakness, and a variety of other symptoms. When the tissues connecting muscles in the shoulder to bone, commonly known as tendons, become damaged or "torn", it can create a sensation of pain or weakness. The severity and symptoms of the tear can vary depending on what caused the tear to form and other factors.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are a common occurrence, especially among athletes and active individuals. Whether it's a sprained ankle, a torn ligament, or a broken bone, sports injuries can sideline even the most seasoned athlete and impact their ability to perform at their best. Orthopedic treatments are often the go-to solution for these types of injuries, helping individuals get back on their feet and back to the sport they love.

Joint Pain

Pain in the joints is a very common symptom often experienced in the feet, hips, spine, knees, or hands. In addition to pain, joint stiffness, as well as a burning or throbbing sensation in or near the joints, are also commonly associated with joint-related issues. It is important to note that in many cases the pain or burning sensation may not be constant but can increase or decrease depending on activity.

Knee Pain

Knee Pain is a common symptom that can be caused by a wide variety of conditions ranging from sports injuries to tendonitis or certain medical conditions such as arthritis. The best way to determine the exact cause and available treatment methods for your specific situation is to have a diagnosis done by an expert physician such as our team of doctors here at Total Spine.

Hip Pain

The hips are one of the most critical joints in the body, allowing you to do many of your normal daily activities such as walking, standing, and more. This makes it all the more debilitating if pain, numbness, or weakness begins to affect your hips. Symptoms such as difficulty walking, trouble sleeping, and general uncomfortableness when lying on one side or the other are all common indicators of a hip issue that may need to be addressed.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can come from rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, frozen shoulder, or a pinched nerve in the neck, and it can limit sleep and daily tasks.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly occurs in the hips, knees, and hands.

Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears are a common injury to the knee, often caused by twisting or bending the knee forcefully. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and the shin bone. It helps to distribute weight evenly across the knee joint and provides stability.

Runner’s Knee

Runner's knee is a common injury among runners and athletes. It occurs when the knee joint experiences excessive stress or wear and tear, leading to pain, inflammation, and discomfort. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for runner's knee.

Hip Labral Tears

A labral tear is an injury to the tissue between the socket and ball portions of the hip joint. This tear can cause a variety of symptoms including intense pain, difficulty moving your hip, and reduced mobility of the hip.

When A Labral Tear Needs Surgery

The Arthroscopic Advantage

How arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery of the shoulder compares with traditional open surgery.

Open surgeryArthroscopicMinimally invasive
IncisionOne larger incision to open the joint.A few small incisions for a camera and slim instruments.
Soft tissueMore disruption of muscle and tissue.Less disruption of the surrounding tissue.
VisualizationDirect view through the open incision.A magnified camera view inside the joint.
Hospital stayMay require a hospital stay.Usually outpatient; most patients go home the same day.
Recovery and scarringA longer recovery and a larger scar.Typically less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker start to rehabilitation.

Arthroscopic labral repair restores the shoulder's stability through small incisions, with a quicker start to rehabilitation.

Our Patients Stories

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Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

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    Our physicians diagnose and treat all kinds of shoulder problems, from therapy to arthroscopic repair.

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