Labral Tears in the Shoulder Treated Arthroscopically in Arlington, VA
The shoulder is a complex joint made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula) and collarbone (clavicle). The humeral head rests in a shallow socket in the scapula (glenoid). A rim of soft fibrous tissue (labrum) surrounds the glenoid, deepening the socket, stabilizing the joint and serving as an attachment point for several ligaments. The labrum is susceptible to injury and can tear suddenly through trauma or gradually through wear and tear.
Several decades ago, labral tears in the shoulder often went undetected. However, recent advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques and technologies have made it possible for orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat these complex injuries with arthroscopic surgery.
What Is a Labral Tear?
There are several types of labral tears in the shoulder:
- A SLAP lesion – A superior labrum anterior (front) to posterior (back) tear usually occurs in the upper glenoid and may involve the biceps tendon.
- A Bankart lesion – A tear in the front of the labrum at the bottom of the glenoid can result from a shoulder joint dislocation.
- A posterior labral tear – A tear in the labrum at the back of the glenoid can result from a direct blow or repetitive motion.
The symptoms of a labral tear in the shoulder can include pain, instability, reduced strength, decreased range of motion and a locking, popping or grinding sensation during movement.
Treatment Options for Labral Tears in the Shoulder
Until a diagnosis is confirmed, a physician may recommend rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease the symptoms, along with targeted exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles. If the discomfort persists or worsens despite conservative treatment, surgery may be considered. One option is arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
During arthroscopic surgery, a surgeon can examine the labrum by inserting a miniature camera through a tiny incision in the shoulder. If the surgeon determines that the injury can be treated arthroscopically, they may make a few more small incisions and insert special surgical instruments to repair the tear. This may involve trimming frayed areas of the labrum and/or reattaching it to the glenoid. As compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery generally allows for a quicker recovery, less pain and better outcome.
Talk With a Shoulder Specialist
If you would like to learn more about labral tears in the shoulder, contact Nirschl Orthopaedic Center (NOC) at (703) 525-2200 to request a consultation with an orthopedic shoulder surgeon at our office in Arlington, VA. The team at NOC would be honored to participate in your care.