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Labral Tears
The most common symptom of labral tears is pain at the top of the shoulder joint. In addition, individuals may experience a "catching" sensation and pain with activities utilizing a throwing motion.
What Can Cause Labral Tears?
The most common causes of labral tears include falling on an outstretched arm, repetitive overhead actions such as throwing, or lifting a heavy object. Contact sports may also put individuals at a greater risk of developing SLAP (superior: labrum anterior-posterior) tears.
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Types of Labral Tears:
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SLAP Tear: Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior, involving the top part of the labrum, often associated with biceps tendon injury.
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Bankart Tear: Typically occurs in the lower part of the labrum, often due to dislocation or shoulder instability.
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Causes:
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Trauma: Sudden impact or injury, such as shoulder dislocation or a fall onto an outstretched arm.
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Repetitive Use: Overhead movements in athletes (e.g., baseball pitchers, swimmers) or labor-intensive work can cause wear and tear.
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Aging: Degenerative changes in the labrum as a part of the natural aging process.
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TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR LABRAL TEARS
As with most orthopedic conditions, patients will often begin with a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, ice and rest (and in some cases, steroid injections). When these methods are no longer effective, Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics offers the latest in cutting-edge treatments to reduce pain and get you back to the activities you enjoy. Some of these innovative alternatives to surgery include Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine treatments, such as:
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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Use your own platelets to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
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Stem Cell Injections: Use your own adipose (fat) cells to stimulate regrowth of damaged tissue (primarily beneficial for arthritis and major injuries).
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Prolotherapy: Uses dextrose (sugar water) in place of steroid to reduce pain and promote healing.
See the full list of conditions and treatments offered at Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics.
READ MORE ABOUT LABRAL TEARS
The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint, which means a "ball" at the top of the upper arm bone (the humerus) fits neatly into a "socket" (called the glenoid), which is part of the shoulder blade (scapula). The term SLAP (superior: labrum anterior-posterior) lesion or SLAP tear refers to an injury of the superior labrum of the shoulder. The labrum is a ring of fibrous cartilage surrounding the glenoid for stabilization of the shoulder joint. The biceps tendon attaches inside the shoulder joint at the superior labrum of the shoulder joint. The biceps tendon is a long cord-like structure that attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder and helps to stabilize the joint. Diagnosis of labral tears is made based on the symptoms experienced and physical examination. A regular MRI scan may not reveal a SLAP tear. Therefore, an MRI with a contrast dye injected into the shoulder is ordered, as the contrast dye helps to highlight SLAP tears and aids in the diagnosis of the condition.
WHY CAROLINA
NONSURGICAL ORTHOPEDICS
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All Providers are BOARD CERTIFIED and Specially Trained in Nonsurgical Orthopedics
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Over 50,000+ and Counting Procedures Performed
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Procedures Performed with Ultrasound Guidance for Accuracy and Safety
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Local and Independent Practice That is NOT a Franchise
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Discounts for Service Members, Teachers, and Public Servants
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Serving Raleigh Since 2013