Shoulder labral tear is a common injury that affects the ring of cartilage (labrum) that surrounds the shoulder joint. The labrum provides stability and cushioning to the joint, and when it becomes torn, it can cause pain, weakness, and instability.
Symptoms
- Pain or aching in the shoulder, especially when lifting or reaching overhead
- A feeling of weakness or instability in the shoulder
- Catching or popping sensation during shoulder movement
- Decreased range of motion
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected shoulder
Causes
- Trauma or injury, such as a fall or blow to the shoulder
- Repetitive overhead motions, such as throwing a ball or swimming
- Degeneration due to aging or wear and tear
- Shoulder dislocation or instability
Risk factors
- Participating in sports or activities that involve repetitive overhead motions
- Age-related changes in the shoulder joint
- Having a shoulder dislocation or instability
- Poor shoulder blade posture or muscle imbalances
- Genetics
Associated conditions
- Rotator cuff tears
- Biceps tendonitis
- Shoulder instability
- Frozen shoulder
Diagnosis
- Physical examination by a healthcare provider, including range of motion and stability testing
- Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, to visualize the extent of the tear and rule out other injuries
Differential diagnosis
- Rotator cuff tear
- Biceps tendonitis
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Frozen shoulder
Treatment options
- Rest and avoiding overhead activities to allow the tear to heal
- Physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve range of motion
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain
- Surgery to repair or remove the torn labrum in severe cases
Typical recovery timeframes:
- Recovery time depends on the severity of the tear and the treatment approach taken.
- Mild tears may heal within a few weeks with rest and physical therapy.
- More severe tears or tears that do not respond to conservative treatment may require surgery, with recovery taking several months.
Prognosis
- With appropriate treatment, most people with a shoulder labral tear can return to their normal activities, including sports, without significant pain or limitation.
- Without treatment, the tear may worsen and lead to chronic pain or instability in the shoulder joint