Shoulder labral tear

An unstable shoulder joint can be the cause or the result of a labral tear. The labrum in your shoulder is a ring of cartilage that lines the outer rim of your shoulder joint socket. Acting like a rubber seal, the labrum helps stabilize the shoulder. A hard blow to the shoulder, a fall or a sudden pull on the shoulder can cause a labral tear. It can also result from repetitive overuse, such as weightlifting, baseball or tennis.

Shoulder labral tear symptoms

For many people, a shoulder labral tear does not cause any symptoms. However, if the tear progresses, it may become painful.

Labral tear symptoms include:

Limited range of motion
Feeling of instability—like the shoulder is “coming out of the socket”
Pain that occurs at night or during everyday activities
Popping, grinding or catching in the shoulder
Weakness

Shoulder labral tear diagnosis

Your doctor will review your health history and perform an exam that places your shoulder in various positions.

Diagnostic tests to determine a labral tear are:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a radiology technique that uses a tube surrounded by a giant circular magnet to take images of body structures. The patient is placed on a moveable bed that is inserted into the magnet.
X-rays—an imaging test that uses electromagnetic radiation with very high frequency and energy.

Shoulder labral tear treatment

In many cases, a labral tear will heal with nonsurgical treatments. Depending on the severity of your labral tear, your treatment plan may include:

Anti-inflammatory and pain medications—medicine that helps manage the pain associated with inflammation.
Physical therapy—treats stiffness, muscle weakness and pain using exercises to strengthen and improve range of motion in the shoulder.
Rest—avoiding certain activities to give the shoulder time to heal.
Surgery—arthroscopic surgery is the most common surgical technique.

Think your shoulder pain might be a labral tear? See one of our orthopedic specialists at The Christ Hospital Health Network for diagnose and treatment.

Find a shoulder specialist near you.