The labrum: what it is and why it matters
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the rim of the glenoid socket. It deepens the shallow socket by as much as 50% and acts as an anchor for the capsule and ligaments that keep the shoulder stable. The biceps tendon also originates at the top of the labrum. Because of this, the labrum plays a key role in keeping the shoulder functional for athletic activity. Labral tears become more common with age. The labrum's main jobs — providing stability and serving as the biceps tendon's origin — matter most for athletic pursuits such as throwing, lifting, and overhead motion. In older people, tears are often asymptomatic and can be treated without surgery.
Common Types of Labral Tears
SLAP tear: The SLAP tear is the most frequently seen labral tear. SLAP stands for "superior labrum from anterior to posterior." This upper part of the labrum is where the biceps tendon attaches. A strong pull on the biceps can tear the labrum or pull it away from the bone. Causes include a fall with the arm outstretched, repeated overhead activity, heavy lifting, or a sudden jerk on the arm. Anterior labral tears: Tears at the front of the shoulder labrum are often linked to instability. When the shoulder dislocates, the humeral head slips over the rim of the glenoid. Posterior labral tears: Tears at the back of the labrum (posterior) usually result from a posterior shoulder dislocation (a reverse Bankart tear) or from a force that pushes the arm and shoulder backward.
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If you have shoulder pain, catching, or a sense that the joint is unstable, a labral tear may be part of the picture. An evaluation can help determine which type of tear is present and whether non-surgical care or another approach is right for you.