Labrum is firm fibrous tissue surrounding the rim of the shoulder socket/cup (the glenoid cavity) which helps to stabilise the shoulder joint.
Tears of the glenoid rim are often connected with other shoulder injuries, such as a shoulder dislocation or subluxation (see above) and can be either above (superior) or below (inferior) the middle of the glenoid socket. The tear itself can be caused by a repetitive shoulder motion, and is common in athletes who throw or weightlifters. It can also be caused by an injury such as:
Having asked questions about how your shoulder was injured and carefully examining the area, the specialist will usually check the stability of the shoulder as well as your range of movement and pain levels. You may also have X-rays to rule out other problems; however, the X-rays won’t show any damage to the glenoid labrum itself, as it is soft tissue, so you will usually be offered an MRI or CT scan to check the extent of any damage.
Non-operative treatment: this includes resting, along with taking anti-inflammatory medication, if advised by your doctor, to relieve your symptoms. You may also be given exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles.
Surgery: this is usually carried out arthroscopically; the type of surgery depends on the severity of the tear and to what extent it affects the rim and the biceps tendon:
You will usually wear a sling for a few weeks and be advised to carry out some gentle exercises to increase your strength, flexibility and range of movement. You may be able to start exercises that are specific to your sport around six weeks after surgery; however, it may take three or four months for the shoulder to heal fully.
Important: This information is only a guideline to help you understand your treatment and what to expect. Everyone is different and your rehabilitation may be quicker or slower than other people’s. Please contact us for advice if you’re worried about any aspect of your health or recovery.