Labrum Tear Specialist

What is a shoulder labral tear?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint where the head of your upper arm bone (humerus) attaches to a shallow groove in your shoulder blade called the glenoid. A ring of rubbery cartilage called the labrum surrounds this socket to keep your humeral head in place. When this tissue becomes torn, you have a labral tear. 

You also have a labrum in your hip because it’s a ball-and-socket joint as well. The hip labrum is less likely to tear than your shoulder labrum.

What causes a shoulder labral tear?

Labral tears can develop gradually as a result of repetitive motions, like throwing a baseball. Your labrum can also tear suddenly after a traumatic injury, especially one that dislocates your shoulder. Falling on an outstretched arm or receiving a direct blow to the shoulder are two examples of injuries that may cause a labral tear. 

What are the symptoms of a shoulder labral tear?

Shoulder pain is the most common symptom of a labral tear. Pain may increase when you lift your arm above your head. You may also feel a grinding, catching, popping, or locking sensation in your shoulder as well as weakness and a decreased range of motion. 

How are labral tears treated?

Dr. Rovner is a conservative surgeon who always tries every available nonsurgical treatment before considering surgery. Nonsurgical treatments for labral tears include:

• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications

If your shoulder pain and symptoms continue despite treatment, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Rovner uses advanced technology to perform minimally invasive techniques, such as arthroscopic labral repair. 

Arthroscopic surgery uses a pencil-thin, flexible instrument (arthroscope) that has a light and a camera lens at the end. He inserts the arthroscope into a very small incision that’s less than ¼ of an inch long. 

The camera transmits magnified, high-definition images of the inside of your joint onto a computer screen so Dr. Rovner can easily treat problems without making a large incision. He inserts miniature surgical instruments through the arthroscope to remove or repair the damaged tissue.  

For advanced expertise in minimally invasive labral repair, call New York Spine and Sports Surgery or book an appointment online today.