Labral Tear FAQs

The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, but having extreme mobility puts a demand on the structure of the shoulder, which consists of three bones and a complex system of ligaments, tendons and muscles. That demand can cause the labrum to tear.

What is a labral tear?

The labrum makes up part of the shoulder socket, helping the humerus bone fit deeper into the scapula. The labrum acts as a stabilizer in the shoulder, permitting range of motion while also limiting excessive motion. Injuries to the labrum cause it to tear, which causes a flap of tissue to move in and out of the joint, causing pain. A torn labrum causes the shoulder to be less stable.

What does a labral tear feel like?

A labral tear may ache for a long time after you perform certain shoulder movements. It might feel as if there’s a catching sensation in your shoulder or you may feel a sharp pop. The shoulder will probably feel loose.

How is a labral tear diagnosed?

A labral tear can be difficult to see, even in an MRI. You may need a CT scan using a special dye that leaks into the tear and highlights it on the scan. The surgeon may also want to look into the shoulder using an arthroscope, which is a small camera that can be inserted into the joint.

What are the treatments?

Typically, the shoulder is treated first non-surgically with rest and anti-inflammatory medications. Your orthopedist may suggest a cortisone injection to reduce the swelling and pain. Physical therapy is often prescribed to help improve the strength of your shoulder muscles, which can help stabilize the shoulder.

What causes a labral tear?

Most commonly, a labral tear occurs when the shoulder is subjected to trauma, but it can also occur due to repetitive shoulder motion. Traumatic injuries include:

Falling on your outstretched arm
Pulling your shoulder when you’re trying to lift something heavy
Reaching overhead to try to stop yourself from falling
Something hitting your shoulder

Repetitive injuries could occur if you routinely lift weights or throw balls. If your golf club hits the ground during your swing, it could cause the labrum to tear due to the force of the strike carrying through to the arm.

What is surgery like?

For small tears, the surgeon can use an arthroscope to remove the frayed edges of the labrum, which usually gets rid of your symptoms. For larger tears, the surgeon will need to repair the labrum. Plan to wear a sling for six weeks or longer after surgery to protect the joint as it heals.

Your doctor can offer further information when it comes to labral tears.