What is a labral tear in the shoulder?
A shoulder labral tear, also known as a shoulder joint tear or glenoid labrum tear, happens when the cartilage ring around the shoulder socket (the labrum) is torn due to high stress or overuse. These tears are common in athletes and people who perform repetitive activities, such as weightlifting or throwing.
Anatomy of the shoulder
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones:
- The humerus (upper arm bone)
- The scapula (shoulder blade)
- The clavicle (collarbone)
The rounded top of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into a shallow socket in the shoulder blade called the glenoid. A soft tissue ring, called the labrum, helps keep the joint stable and serves as an attachment site for ligaments and tendons, including the biceps.
Shoulder labral tear symptoms
For some people, the first symptom of a labral tear is a dull ache deep within the shoulder. For others, the shoulder pain can be more sudden, severe and sharp. At first, you might only feel the discomfort when you lift your arm over your head. A sudden tear from an accident or fall can cause immediate, intense pain and weakness in your upper arm.
Common symptoms of a labral tear in your shoulder include:
- Feeling like your shoulder might pop out of the socket
- Pain caused by raising or stretching your arm behind your head
- Popping noises or a grinding sensation when you move your shoulder
- Pain with certain activities, like throwing or reaching above your head
- Shoulder weakness or instability that makes it a struggle to lift items
When to see a doctor
You should see your doctor if your shoulder and arm pain are persistent and don't get better with at-home treatments or pain-relieving medications. Your doctor should also know if your shoulder discomfort interferes with your day-to-day activities or a good night’s sleep. If you notice redness or swelling in your shoulder joint or your shoulder or arm suddenly becomes weak, see your doctor immediately.
Risk factors
Anybody can experience a labral tear, but certain factors, some in your control and others you can’t do much about, can raise your risk:
- Age: Labral tears can be caused by normal wear and tear that happens with aging, putting people over 40 at greater risk.
- Occupation: People whose jobs require repetitive overhead motions, such as painters, carpenters and mechanics, have a higher risk for labral tears.
- Sports: Athletes, especially baseball pitchers, tennis players and swimmers, are at a greater risk for rotator cuff tears. These activities involve overusing the shoulder, which can lead to injury.
- Shoulder abnormalities: Certain abnormalities in the shoulder joint, such as shoulder instability, can increase the risk of a labral tear.
