What is a Labral Tear?

A labral tear in the shoulder is an injury to the ring of cartilage called the labrum that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The labrum helps keep the ball (the top of the upper arm bone) securely in the socket while allowing a wide range of motion. When the labrum is torn, the shoulder can become painful, weak, or feel unstable. It might even feel like it could “pop out” of place.

How Does a Labral Tear Happen?

Labral tears can happen from a traumatic injury, such as falling on an outstretched arm or lifting something heavy suddenly, or from repetitive overuse, like throwing a baseball or swimming. Common symptoms include:

• Deep shoulder pain
• A catching or clicking sensation
• Loss of strength
• Difficulty with overhead activities

Labral Tear Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is often made through a physical exam and confirmed with an MRI. Treatment depends on how severe the tear is. Many people improve with rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, in more serious cases—especially if the shoulder remains unstable or painful—arthroscopic surgery may be needed to repair the torn labrum. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, most people can return to their usual activities without pain or limitation

FAQs About Labral Tears

1. Will a labral tear heal on its own?
   1. In some cases, a shoulder labral tear can heal with just rest and physical therapy; however, it all depends on the severity of the tear.
2. What is the best treatment for a labral tear?
   1. The best course of treatment depends on the type, severity, and location of the labrum tear. If the tear is small and incomplete, rest and physical therapy may be enough. If the tear is large or completely torn, surgery may be better to prevent further shoulder instability.
3. How serious are labral tears?
   1. Labral tears can be serious, as we use our shoulders for a variety of different day-to-day tasks. To athletes who use their shoulders a lot or workers who have overhead tasks to complete, a labral tear is even more serious. It can prevent you from performing in the future due to instability. Having it checked to see if surgery is necessary could save you a lot of pain in the future.
4. What does a labral tear feel like?
   1. The most common symptoms of a shoulder labral tear are shoulder pain and instability and a grinding, locking, catching, or clicking sensation when moving the shoulder.

If you or someone you love has suffered a shoulder injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.