What is a labral tear in the shoulder?

A shoulder labral tear, also known as a shoulder joint tear or glenoid labrum tear, happens when the cartilage ring around the shoulder socket (the labrum) is torn due to high stress or overuse. These tears are common in athletes and people who perform repetitive activities, such as weightlifting or throwing.

image of a female softball pitcher, who is one of the must susceptible athletes to Labral Tears

Anatomy of the shoulder

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones:

  • The humerus (upper arm bone)
  • The scapula (shoulder blade)
  • The clavicle (collarbone)

The rounded top of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into a shallow socket in the shoulder blade called the glenoid. A soft tissue ring, called the labrum, helps keep the joint stable and serves as an attachment site for ligaments and tendons, including the biceps.

Anatomy of a shoulder diagram

Types of labral tears of the shoulder 

There are several types of shoulder labral tears, all defined by where they occur in the joint. Your shoulder joint includes a ball—the head of your arm bone, or humerus—that fits into a socket—the glenoid. Labral tissue runs around the rim of the glenoid and connects to stabilizing ligaments of the shoulder.

Bankart 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.

Shoulder labral tear symptoms

For some people, the first symptom of a labral tear is a dull ache deep within the shoulder. For others, the shoulder pain can be more sudden, severe and sharp. At first, you might only feel the discomfort when you lift your arm over your head. A sudden tear from an accident or fall can cause immediate, intense pain and weakness in your upper arm.

Common symptoms of a labral tear in your shoulder include:

  • Feeling like your shoulder might pop out of the socket
  • Pain caused by raising or stretching your arm behind your head
  • Popping noises or a grinding sensation when you move your shoulder
  • Pain with certain activities, like throwing or reaching above your head
  • Shoulder weakness or instability that makes it a struggle to lift items

When to see a doctor

You should see your doctor if your shoulder and arm pain are persistent and don't get better with at-home treatments or pain-relieving medications. Your doctor should also know if your shoulder discomfort interferes with your day-to-day activities or a good night’s sleep. If you notice redness or swelling in your shoulder joint or your shoulder or arm suddenly becomes weak, see your doctor immediately.

Causes of shoulder labral tear

A labral tear can be the result of chronic injury, overuse, age-related wear or acute trauma, such as a dislocation.

Chronic injury and overuse are the most common causes of a shoulder labral tear. Sports, exercises and occupations that require repetitive overhead motion of the arm and shoulder can also cause labral tears.

Traumatic injuries that can cause labral tears include:

  • Falls or bracing yourself to stop a fall
  • Injuries involving force on the shoulder
  • Intense pulling on the shoulder, for example, lifting a heavy object

Risk factors

Anybody can experience a labral tear, but certain factors, some in your control and others you can’t do much about, can raise your risk:

  • Age: Labral tears can be caused by normal wear and tear that happens with aging, putting people over 40 at greater risk.
  • Occupation: People whose jobs require repetitive overhead motions, such as painters, carpenters and mechanics, have a higher risk for labral tears.
  • Sports: Athletes, especially baseball pitchers, tennis players and swimmers, are at a greater risk for rotator cuff tears. These activities involve overusing the shoulder, which can lead to injury.
  • Shoulder abnormalities: Certain abnormalities in the shoulder joint, such as shoulder instability, can increase the risk of a labral tear.

Complications

The severity and location of a labral tear, along with any other shoulder injuries like a rotator cuff tear, can affect the likelihood of complications. Potential complications of an untreated labral tear include:

  • Chronic pain and instability of the shoulder and arm
  • Reduced range of shoulder motion
  • Osteoarthritis can cause pain and potential joint damage
  • Shoulder popping, catching, locking or grinding in the shoulder joint
  • Weakness of the shoulder joint, making it difficult to lift your arm

How is a shoulder labral tear diagnosed?

Your shoulder joint is very complex, so diagnosing labral tears can be difficult. The process typically starts with a physical exam that allows your doctor to ask about symptoms and check your shoulder’s range of motion. After the exam, your doctor may order imaging tests that offer more detail than a physical exam can provide and confirm any findings.

Labral tear shoulder treatment

Not all labral tears require treatment, especially if they’re minor. However, your doctor may start with nonsurgical care, including pain-relieving medications, rest and physical therapy, to relieve your symptoms so the tear can heal over time. Depending on your type of tear, your general health and other factors, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the tear.

Medication

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.

Find specialized care for shoulder pain

At Baylor Scott & White, we have multiple locations across North and Central Texas to provide you with access to expert care. Whether you're seeking diagnostic testing, treatment options or ongoing support for frozen shoulder, our teams are here to help you.

Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center Building 2
Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Pflugerville Medical Center Building 2

2600 E Pflugerville Pkwy Building 2, Pflugerville, TX, 78660

Directions
512.654.6500

Not accepting walk-ins

Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Complex Shoulder Institute
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Complex Shoulder Institute

1631 Lancaster Dr Ste 205, Grapevine, TX, 76051

Directions
469.800.7200

Not accepting walk-ins

Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health

3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246

Directions
214.820.0111

Accepting walk-ins

Frequently asked questions

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