Labral Tear

A Labral Tear (often referred to as 'SLAP tear') is a condition in which the glenoid labrumA fibro-cartilaginous rim attached around the margin of the glenoid cavity in the shoulder blade (Source: Wikipedia). of the shoulder becomes injured or torn, specifically the cartilage attached around the margin of the glenoid cavity lying within the shoulder blade.

The shoulder joint is referred to as a 'ball and socket' joint, as the 'socket' (the glenoid fossa of the scapula) is considered to be quite shallow, covering only about a third of the 'ball' (the head of the humerus). The socket is deepened by the glenoidal labrum.

There are actually several types of labral tears, which are classified by the location of the tear itself. The two most common tears are:

• Bankhart Tear - A tear in front lower part of the labrum. This type of tear occurs most commonly in patients that suffered a shoulder dislocationAn injury that occurs when the top of the arm bone (humerus) loses contact with the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula). (Source: about.com) . This type of injury leads to instability of the shoulder.
• SLAP Tear – SLAP is an acronym for "Superior Labral tear from Anterior to Posterior". This means that a SLAP tear occurs in the top part of the shoulder socket from front to back. This type of tear occurs most commonly in overhead athletes (pitchers and weight lifters for example).

Labral Repair Surgery Video

Labral Tear Symptoms

As previously described, shoulder dislocation and repetitive use are the most common causes for a labral tear. A shoulder is dislocated mainly by trauma, meaning a hard hit to the joint. The dislocation causes the Bankhart tear. A repetitive throwing or lifting motion, as well as falling on an out stretched arm or forced motion can lead to a SLAP tear.

The symptoms of a shoulder tear are similar to most shoulder injury symptoms. These can include:

• Pain, especially with overhead activities.
• A locking or popping sensations in the shoulder, as well as a 'locking'.
• Decreased range of motion.
• Loss of strength or sense of instability.

Labral Tear Treatments

The first option includes the non-surgical option of traditional treatments. The first choice for this kind of injury is the applying the RICE principle (Rest, ice, compression, and elevation) to the injured shoulder. In addition to this, the patient may need physiotherapy in order to restore range of motion and stability.

If the initial treatment isn't helping, or there is a large tear to begin with, the patient will need Labral Repair Surgery. This surgery can be done both arthroscopicallyA surgery done with the use of a tiny camera and small instruments that are inserted into the patient through small holes, thus preventing an incision. or in an 'open surgery' method.

Once the torn labral is located, the surgeon will debride the tissue, removing any damage leaving only healthy tissue. At this point, the surgeon will attach a number of tiny 'anchors' in the glenoid with sutures attached that will be pulled tight to re-attach the tissue to the bone. The final stage includes the sutures being tied off completing the surgery.

The patient will be released on the day of the surgery, or have a short hospitalization that lasts a day or two. The arm will be placed in a sling for the first 2-4 weeks after surgery followed by light physiotherapy strengthening exercises, as this is a crucial part of a full recovery. A full recovery is expected within 3-5 months as this may take longer for pro athletes.

Labral Repair Surgery Abroad

Once diagnosed with the need for labral repair surgery, you want the top sport-orthopedists operating on your shoulder in order to achieve maximum results. TicketMed works with expert sports-injury institutes around the globe and will be happy to assist you in scheduling treatments and receiving all the information you'll need. Contact us or ask for a quote.