What is a Labrum Tear of The Shoulder?

Apr 18

What is a Labrum Tear?

Just to be clear, today we're talking about the labrum of the shoulder. If you are looking for info on the hip labrum, there is plenty of information available on that topic.

Ok, the labrum. What is it?

This is a piece of rubber-like tissue that is attached to the rim of the shoulder socket. It's called fibrocartilage, and it helps keep the "ball" of the joint in place.

This cartilage can become torn. Hence the term "labrum tear." We see this injury in aging athletes or as a result of direct injury to the shoulder.

What does a torn labrum feel like?

At the time of the injury, you may here a POP followed by a catching sensation as you move the shoulder. Then you'll experience some aching and pain. You'll be certain you've sustained an injury to your shoulder.

Afterwards, the shoulder may continue to feel loose. This is instability in the shoulder. At this point, it's best to contact your physician.

How do We fix a labrum tear?

Our goal when we repair the torn labrum is to give you stability back to your shoulder.

Repairing the labrum will usually involve arthroscopy. This procedure is less invasive than an open procedure, which may be necessary in the case of a larger tear

How long does it take for a torn labrum to heal?

After the surgery, you'll still need to wait for the tear to completely heal. This may take from 2-3 months to happen. During this healing/recovery period, avoid doing high-impact activities with shoulder.

5 Symptoms of a Labrum Tear

Deep, achy pain. The pain is usually felt deep inside the shoulder. It's more of an ache than a stinging pain.
Overhead motions cause pain
Clicking, grinding, or popping within the shoulder.
Shoulder weakness
Diffuculty performing in sports or doing regular tasks as a result of these things

Do you have to wear a sling after labrum tear surgery? For how long?

After surgery for a torn labrum, we use a sling to keep you from reinjury. You wear this for around 4 weeks. At that point, we ask that you continue to wear the sling when you sleep for another 2 weeks.

After you take off your sling and you are fully healed up, you should be able to get back to doing your favorite activities again. If there's one thing I love, it's seeing athletes out there doing there thing after surgery even better than ever. You can do it too!

shoulder injuriesLabrum Tear

Dr. William Sterett, M.D.

Dr. Bill Sterett is the Head Team Physician for the US Women’s Alpine Ski Team and has been since 1997, with athletes over the years such as Picabo Street, Kristina Koznick, Caroline LaLive, Julia Mancuso and Mikaela Shiffrin. He has served as a US Olympic Committee Team Physician for the past four Winter Olympic Games, with the US Olympic Committee entrusting the care of their athletes to Dr. Sterett in Salt Lake City, Torino, Vancouver and Sochi.

Dr. Sterett is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, a member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, a member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and is one of the few physicians who have earned a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine.

Dr. Sterett has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and has lectured regionally, nationally and internationally on hundreds of occasions over the past twenty years. He currently holds patents on orthopedic devices involved in Joint Preservation and works as a consultant to Arthrex and Biomet sports medicine companies.

Dr. Sterett started the Athletic Training Fellowship Program in Vail, Colorado, and served as its Fellowship Director for 15 years. Additionally, he has served as the Medical Director for the Eagle County School District for 14 years, making daily return-to-play decisions and treating local student athletes. Currently, he serves as the Medical Director for the Vail Valley Surgery Centers and has for the past 12 years.

http://www.drsterett.com