Labral Tear
Los Angeles
What are labral tears?
The labrum is a fibrocartilage tissue attached to the shoulder socket rim that helps keeps the ball of the joint in its proper place. A tear in this fibrocartilage is known as a labral tear. There are many different types of labral tears and several ways in which this type of injury can occur. Oftentimes, the labrum can be torn with repetitive pushing and rotational motions utilizing the shoulder. A tear can also occur with a traumatic fall. Over time the labrum can also wear down and result in a degenerative tear.
What are the symptoms of a labral tear?
- Pain in the front or back of the shoulder with movement
- Catching, locking, or grinding feeling in the joint
- Feeling of instability in the shoulder
- Loss of strength
- Low range of motion
What causes labral tears?
Labral tears can be caused several different ways:
- Repetitive motion overuse: A person who uses the shoulder to make the same motion repeatedly is more likely to suffer a labral tear. It can happen in certain occupations, sports, and physical activities such as weightlifting.
- Wear and tear: We use the shoulder joint for a great deal of work in day-to-day life. As the years go by, the labrum can begin to wear down, particularly among people age 40 or older.
- Sudden injury: Labral tears are common in motor vehicle and other types of accidents. They also occur frequently when a person falls and stretches out the arm to break the fall.
What treatment
options are available?
If the symptoms persist, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with Dr. Yoon. A comprehensive evaluation will be performed and a plan of care can then be discussed based on the findings.