Glenoid Labrum

Glenoid Labrum Tear

The labrum is a cuff of thick, fibrous tissue that lines the shoulder socket (glenoid). It deepens the socket to keep the arm bone stable and serves as an attachment point for several ligaments. A tear can occur suddenly from a fall or gradually through repetitive grinding.

Symptoms: Feelings of Instability

Because the labrum acts as a bumper for the joint, a tear often makes the shoulder feel loose or mechanically blocked.

• Catching or Locking: A distinct sensation that something is getting stuck inside the joint during movement.

• Deep Aching Pain: Pain that feels deep inside the shoulder rather than on the surface.

• Instability: A feeling that the shoulder might give way or pop out of place.

• Loss of Strength: Especially when performing overhead activities or throwing.

Diagnosis 

Labrum tears can be tricky to diagnose because they often coexist with other injuries like bicep tendinitis or dislocations.

1. Clinical Tests: Special maneuvers, such as the O'Brien's Test, help the doctor determine if the labrum is the source of the pain.

2. MRA (MR Arthrogram): This is the gold standard for diagnosis. A contrast dye is injected into the shoulder joint before an MRI to help the tear show up on the scan.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of tear (such as a SLAP tear at the top or a Bankart lesion at the bottom).

• Rest and Physical Therapy: Initial treatment focuses on strengthening the rotator cuff muscles. If these muscles are strong enough, they can often compensate for a torn labrum and keep the joint stable.

• Injections: Corticosteroid or platelet rich plasma (PRP)

• Debridement: A minor surgical procedure where a surgeon trims the frayed edges of the labrum to stop them from catching in the joint.

• Labral Repair: For more severe tears or active patients, the surgeon uses small anchors and sutures to reattach the labrum to the bone.