Shoulder Labral Tear

This tear, also called a Bankart lesion, occurs near the front of the labrum near the bottom of your shoulder joint. It typically happens because of an event where the shoulder joint becomes unstable, known as a shoulder instability episode.

A SLAP tear, or superior labrum anterior to posterior tear, occurs at the top of the labrum and runs from the front to the back of the socket (glenoid). This type of tear can cause pain in the front of the shoulder due to the biceps tendon attaching at the site of the injury.

This tear happens in the back of your shoulder joint and can occur due to sudden injury or normal age-related wear.

Some types of labral tears need only rest and pain medications to heal and get your shoulder functioning again. Your doctor may suggest:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are available over the counter and reduce inflammation that causes pain. If over-the-counter medications aren’t effective, your doctor can prescribe stronger NSAIDs.
• Cortisone injections: These injections deliver a steroid called cortisone directly to the site of pain in your shoulder.

Recovering from a shoulder labral tear often involves physical therapy to gradually rebuild strength in the shoulder, arm and back muscles. Strengthening these surrounding muscles helps reduce the stress placed on the labrum, giving it time to heal. Physical therapy also plays a key role in stabilizing the shoulder joint, relieving pain, improving range of motion and flexibility, and preventing further injury.

In addition to physical therapy, occupational therapy can help you safely perform everyday activities without aggravating your shoulder. This might include learning how to lift and carry items, such as groceries, or adjusting the way you reach, push or pull objects. Occupational therapists can also recommend changes to your workspace or daily routine to minimize strain on your injured shoulder. These combined therapies work together to restore function, prevent reinjury and help you return to your normal activities.

Nonsurgical treatments often relieve symptoms and heal shoulder labral tears. However, if these measures don’t work or symptoms return, surgery may be recommended. For severe or unstable labral tears, shoulder arthroscopy is often the preferred option. This minimally invasive procedure uses small incisions, helping you recover faster and with less pain. You’ll receive either a nerve block to numb the area and/or general anesthesia to put you to sleep.

During the procedure, a surgeon inserts a thin, flexible tool with a camera (arthroscope) through one incision to guide the repair. Small instruments are inserted through another incision to repair or remove damaged tissue. This may include reattaching the torn labrum to the shoulder socket or arm bone. Surgery typically takes less than an hour, and most people go home the same day.