Shoulder Labral Tear

Shoulder Labral Tear

Traumatic injury to the shoulder or overuse of the shoulder (throwing, weightlifting) may cause the labrum to tear. In addition, aging may weaken the labrum leading to injury.

Symptoms of Shoulder Labral Tear

Shoulder labral tears may cause symptoms such as:

• Pain
• Catching or locking sensation
• Decreased range of motion
• Joint instability

Treatments for Shoulder Labral Tear

Your doctor may initially suggest conservative approaches such as prescribing anti-inflammatory medications and advising rest to relieve symptoms until diagnostic scans are performed. Rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles. If the symptoms do not resolve with these conservative measures, your doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery.

During arthroscopic surgery, your surgeon examines the labrum and the biceps tendon. If the damage is confined to the labrum without involving the tendon, the torn flap will be removed. In cases where the tendon is also involved or if there is a tendon detachment, absorbable wires or sutures will be used to repair and reattach the tendon.

Postoperative Care for Shoulder Labrum Tears

After the surgery, you will be given a shoulder sling for 3-4 weeks. After removing the sling, you will be advised to do motion and flexibility exercises. These exercises increase the range of motion and flexibility of the shoulder joint.