The shoulder joint is a “ball and socket” joint that enables the smooth gliding and thereby the movements of arms. It is inherently unstable because of the shallow socket. A soft rim of cartilage, the labrum lines the socket and deepens it so that it accommodates the head of the upper arm bone better. The biceps tendon attaches inside the shoulder joint at the superior labrum of the shoulder joint. It is a long cord-like structure that attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder and helps to stabilize the joint.
Causes
Traumatic injury to the shoulder or overuse of shoulder (throwing, weightlifting) may cause a labral tear. In addition, ageing may weaken the labrum leading to injury.
Symptoms
Shoulder labral tear injury may cause symptoms such as pain, catching or locking sensation, decreased range of motion and joint instability.
Treatment
Conservative treatment options
Conservative treatments for Labral tears may include:
- Prescribing anti-inflammatory medications
- Rest to relieve symptoms until diagnostic scans are done.
- Rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to strengthen scapular and rotator cuff muscles.
- If the symptoms do not resolve with these conservative measures, the doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery.
Surgery
During arthroscopic surgery, the surgeon will examine the labrum and the biceps tendon. If the damage is confined to the labrum without involving the biceps tendon, then the torn flap of the labrum will be removed. In cases where the biceps tendon is also involVed or if there is detachment of the biceps tendon, sutures or a special bone screw will be used to repair and reattach the biceps tendon. After the surgery, the patient will typically be given a shoulder sling to wear for 3-4 weeks. Physical therapy will be recommended for motion and flexibility exercises after the sling is removed.These exercises increase the range of motion and flexibility of shoulder joint