What is a shoulder joint tear?

A shoulder joint tear, also known as a glenoid labrum tear, is an injury to the cartilage rim that surrounds and deepens the shoulder socket.

What causes a glenoid labrum tear?

Labral tears may occur due to traumatic injury, falls, repetitive overhead activities, throwing sports, weightlifting or age-related degeneration.

What are the symptoms of a labral tear?

Common symptoms include shoulder pain, catching, locking, clicking sensations, instability and reduced range of motion.

How is a shoulder joint tear diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically includes a physical examination along with imaging studies such as MRI or other diagnostic scans.

Can a labral tear be treated without surgery?

Many patients initially improve with rest, medications, rehabilitation exercises and occupational therapy.

When is arthroscopic surgery recommended?

Arthroscopic surgery may be recommended when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment or when significant labral damage is present.

What happens during arthroscopic labral repair?

The surgeon evaluates the labrum and biceps attachment, removes damaged tissue if necessary, and repairs or reattaches the torn structures using sutures or fixation devices.

How do I schedule an appointment with Dr. Salil Gupta?

To schedule a consultation for shoulder joint tear evaluation and treatment, please call (212) 400-6633.

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Shoulder Joint Tear (Glenoid Labrum Tear)

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Shoulder Joint Tear (Glenoid Labrum Tear) - Educational Picture

A glenoid labrum tear is an injury to the ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. The labrum plays a vital role in stabilizing the shoulder by deepening the socket and helping to keep the upper arm bone securely in place. Dr. Salil Gupta is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity care, providing comprehensive evaluation and treatment for glenoid labrum tears and other shoulder injuries.

What is Anatomy of the Shoulder?

The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint. A ball at the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits neatly into a socket, called the glenoid, which is part of the shoulder blade (scapula). The glenoid is surrounded by a ring of fibrous cartilage called the labrum for stabilization of the shoulder joint. The biceps tendon attaches inside the shoulder joint at the superior labrum of the shoulder joint. It is a long cord-like structure that attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder and helps to stabilize the joint.

What is a Shoulder Labral Tear?

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

What are the Symptoms of Shoulder Labral Tear?

Shoulder labral tears may cause symptoms such as:

Pain
Catching or locking sensation
Decreased range of motion
Joint instability

What are the Treatment Options for Shoulder Labral Tear?

Your doctor may initially suggest conservative approaches such as prescribing anti-inflammatory medications and advise rest to relieve symptoms until diagnostic scans are performed. Rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles. If the symptoms are not resolved 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, then the torn flap of the labrum will be removed. In cases where the tendon is also involved or if there is a detachment of the tendon, absorbable wires or sutures will be used to repair and reattach the tendon.

What Does Postoperative Care for Shoulder Labrum Tears Involve?

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