If you’ve been struggling with persistent shoulder pain, weakness, or instability, you might be dealing with a torn shoulder labrum. Labrum tears are a common cause of shoulder problems, particularly in active individuals and athletes. T
At our practice in Austin, Texas, fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip, specializes in diagnosing and treating labral tears. Whether you’re dealing with a SLAP tear, Bankart tear, or another form of labral injury, contact us today to explore your treatment options and get back to a pain-free life.
“After a bad fall from a ladder and seeing two other doctors, I was referred to Dr. Szerlip. He was able to repair the breaks in my arm and shoulder. Four months post surgery and I have full use of my arm and shoulder. THANK YOU DR. SZERLIP!!” — Patricia J.
The shoulder labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the shoulder socket, helping stabilize the ball and socket joint of your shoulder. This tough yet flexible cartilage deepens the shoulder socket (glenoid) and anchors important structures, including the biceps tendon and shoulder ligaments.
Since the shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the body, it’s also more prone to instability and injury. The labrum, along with the rotator cuff tendons and surrounding shoulder muscles, plays a critical role in maintaining shoulder strength and function.
A torn shoulder labrum can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on the type and severity of the tear. Common symptoms of a shoulder labrum tear can include the following:
If you’re experiencing pain or instability, particularly after an acute injury or repetitive use, you may be dealing with a labral tear.
There are several types of shoulder labral tears. Each type affects different parts of the labrum and may involve other structures, such as the biceps tendon.
SLAP stands for Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior. This tear occurs at the top of the labrum where the biceps tendon attaches. It is often caused by repetitive overhead motion, trauma from a fall on an outstretched arm, or heavy lifting. It is common among athletes, especially pitchers, swimmers, and weightlifters.
A Bankart tear typically occurs after a shoulder dislocation. It involves the lower front (anterior-inferior) part of the labrum. This type of tear often leads to shoulder instability and recurrent dislocations.
This type of test is less common. It affects the back part of the labrum. It is often seen in athletes who are involved in contact sports or heavy lifting with the shoulder in a flexed position.
Preventing labral injuries isn’t always possible, but certain practices can reduce the risk:
Prevention plays a crucial role in avoiding chronic shoulder problems and maintaining shoulder health.
A thorough physical exam, along with imaging like MRI or shoulder arthroscopy, helps confirm a labral tear. The following diagnostic tools may be used:
Treatment plans are based on the type of labrum tear, how long symptoms have been present, your activity level, and how much the injury is impacting your daily life.
Many labral tears can be effectively treated with conservative methods. Nonsurgical treatments include the following:
If conservative treatments fail, we may recommend surgery. Dr Szerlip performs minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to repair labral tears.
Surgical treatment is considered when:
Surgery restores shoulder stability and is often the best option for full recovery from SLAP tears, Bankart tears, and other serious labral injuries.
Recovery varies but generally follows this timeline:
Our team guides you through every step, ensuring less pain and improved function over time.
If you’re experiencing the common symptoms of a shoulder labral tear, pain, instability, and weakness—don’t wait. At our Austin, Texas, office, Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, provides personalized care tailored to your injury and goals.
Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and begin your path to recovery with expert guidance and proven treatment solutions!
