Shoulder Labral Tears
What Is a Shoulder Labral Tear?
A shoulder labral tear is an injury to the labrum, a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint (glenoid). The labrum helps keep the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) stable inside the shoulder socket and supports smooth movement.
When the labrum is torn, the shoulder can become painful, unstable, and less reliable during lifting, throwing, or overhead motion.
At OIBortho, our physicians evaluate and treat shoulder labral tears for patients throughout Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties.
Types of Shoulder Labral Tears
Shoulder labral tears vary depending on location and pattern:
- SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior): tear at the top of the labrum, often related to overhead activity
- Bankart tear: commonly associated with shoulder dislocations and instability
- Posterior labral tear: less common, often related to repetitive stress or trauma
Each type can affect shoulder stability and function differently.
Symptoms of a Shoulder Labral Tear
Symptoms often vary based on severity and activity level.
Common symptoms include:
- Deep shoulder pain
- Clicking, popping, or catching sensation
- Shoulder instability or “slipping” feeling
- Pain with overhead movement or lifting
- Decreased strength in the shoulder
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain during sports or repetitive activity
- Feeling like the shoulder may “give out”
Symptoms may worsen with throwing or overhead use.
Causes and Risk Factors
Shoulder labral tears can result from injury or repetitive stress.
Common causes include:
- Sports injuries (especially throwing sports)
- Shoulder dislocations or instability episodes
- Repetitive overhead motion
- Heavy lifting or sudden force
- Falls onto an outstretched arm
- Degenerative wear over time
Athletes and active individuals are at higher risk.
How Shoulder Labral Tears Are Diagnosed
A physician will evaluate shoulder stability, strength, and range of motion during a physical exam.
Diagnostic tools may include:
- X-rays (to rule out bone injury or dislocation)
- MRI (often with contrast for better visualization of the labrum)
- CT scans in select cases
- Physical exam maneuvers to assess instability
Imaging helps confirm the location and severity of the tear.
Understanding Shoulder Labral Tears
The labrum plays a key role in stabilizing the shoulder joint. When it is torn, the shoulder may not stay centered in the socket, leading to pain, instability, and mechanical symptoms like clicking or catching.
Some tears can be managed without surgery, while others—especially those causing instability—may require surgical repair.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on severity, symptoms, and activity demands.
Common options include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy for shoulder stabilization
- Strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular muscles
- Cortisone injections in select cases
- Arthroscopic labral repair surgery
- Debridement (removal of damaged tissue) in select cases
Rehabilitation is important for restoring stability and function.
Why Choose OIBortho?
OIBortho provides expert evaluation and treatment for shoulder labral tears using a personalized approach focused on restoring stability and reducing pain. Our physicians help patients safely return to sports, work, and daily activities.
We serve patients throughout Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties with comprehensive orthopaedic care close to home.
Call 732-800-9000 to speak with one of our scheduling specialists or click here to schedule online 24/7!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shoulder labral tear?
It is a tear in the cartilage ring that helps stabilize the shoulder joint.
What causes it?
It is often caused by sports injuries, dislocations, falls, or repetitive overhead activity.
What does it feel like?
It may cause deep shoulder pain, clicking, and a feeling of instability.
Can it heal without surgery?
Some tears improve with physical therapy, but others may require surgical repair.
How is it diagnosed?
MRI (often with contrast), physical exams, and imaging are used to confirm the diagnosis.
Who is most at risk?
Athletes, especially those in throwing or overhead sports, are at higher risk.