Definition

A shoulder labral tear is an injury to the cartilage in the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. The ball is the end of the arm bone (humerus). This ball fits into the bowl-shaped socket of the shoulder (glenoid). Cartilage lines the socket to keep movement smooth. When the cartilage tears it is called a shoulder labral tear.

Shoulder Joint The tool and arrow point to the cartilage of the glenoid. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

If you suspect you have this condition, contact your doctor promptly.

Causes

Shoulder labral tears occur from an injury or through long-term wear and tear. Common causes include the following:

• Dislocated shoulder
• Falling onto shoulder
• Repetitive movements of shoulder
• Lifting heavy objects
• Breaking a fall with arms
• Direct blow to shoulder

Risk Factors    TOP

These factors increase your chance of a labral tear. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

• Participation in certain sports, such as:
  • Baseball pitchers
  • Golf
  • Weightlifting
  • Tennis

Symptoms    TOP

If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to a labral tear. They may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:

• Shoulder and/or arm pain
• Catching or loosening feeling of shoulder
• Loss of shoulder range of motion
• Weakness to shoulder and/or arm
• Pain with shoulder movement
• Popping or grinding sensation
• Achiness to shoulder

Diagnosis    TOP

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You will likely be referred to a specialist such as an orthopedic surgeon.

Tests may include the following:

• Thorough physical exam—including an evaluation of your shoulder range of motion and stability
• X-ray —may be used to rule out a broken bone or other problem
• MRI scan with contrast—test that uses magnetic waves and a contrast dye to make pictures of the body’s structures like the shoulder
• CT scan with contrast—type of x-ray that uses computer and contrast to make pictures of the body’s structures like the shoulder

Treatment    TOP

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

In a shoulder arthroscopy, your 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 cartilage may be removed or sewn together. Your surgeon may also use wires or tacks to reattach any torn tendons.

Prevention    TOP

There are no known guidelines to prevent a shoulder labral tear.