Dr. Benjamin Szerlip, a leading orthopedic surgeon providing state-of-the-art labral repair procedures in Austin, Texas. If you have symptoms like pain, inflammation, shoulder instability, and reduced range of motion, using methods aimed at relieving symptoms while strengthening the joint, or if you have shoulder pain, call or make an appointment online today.
“I was very pleased with my experience of my shoulder surgery. My pain was easily managed and I’m looking forward to getting back on the golf course. Dr. Szerlip was easy going and you can tell he loves his job and cares about you!” — Melody G.
The labrum is a ring of cartilage found in certain joints like the shoulder and hip. Its main role is to provide stability to the joint by deepening the socket and increasing surface area for the bone to fit into, which reduces the risk of dislocation.
Additionally, the labrum acts as a shock absorber, helping to distribute forces evenly throughout the joint during movement. It also provides a smooth surface for the bones to glide over, facilitating smooth and pain-free motion.
Overall, the labrum plays a crucial role in joint function and preventing injuries.
Your labrum is at risk of injuries like partial or full tears and can also be stretched or damaged during a shoulder dislocation or shoulder fracture. Injuries to the labrum usually occur as a result of either direct or indirect blow. This can happen while playing sports, a traffic accident, falling, or even from excessive motions that are repetitive, like heavy weight lifting or throwing.
You can also injure your labrum by pulling or stretching it beyond its limits. A tear can occur above or below the actual socket.
Your doctor begins diagnosis with a careful physical examination of the joint. They also collect an in-depth medical history to determine the possible causes of injury. Often, your doctor will order an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI of the shoulder to examine the soft tissues more closely and confirm the diagnosis.
In some cases, your doctor may use a minimally-invasive procedure called arthroscopy to investigate the inside of the joint using specialized surgical instruments, which are inserted through a small incision.
There are various options that could be considered to treat your labrum injury. Our surgeon may suggest surgery as an option, especially when the injury causes instability.The doctors use state-of-the-art minimally-invasive surgical techniques to repair labral damage and damage of associated tissues like tendons so your joint heals rapidly.
Contact Dr. Szerlip today for treatment of your shoulder injury, including labral tears.
