Shoulder Labral Tear

What is a shoulder labral tear?

A shoulder labral tear occurs when this ring of cartilage becomes damaged or torn. Labral tears can result from a sudden traumatic injury, such as a fall or shoulder dislocation, or from repetitive overhead use. Activities like throwing sports, weightlifting and certain work-related motions can place repeated stress on the labrum over time.

Age-related changes can also weaken the labrum, making it more susceptible to injury even with everyday activities. The location and severity of the tear influence both symptoms and treatment options.

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Close-up view of shoulder muscles, showing detailed anatomy of the deltoid and surrounding tissues.

Shoulder anatomy

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint designed to provide a wide range of motion. The ball at the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into a shallow socket called the glenoid, which is part of the shoulder blade (scapula). Because the socket is relatively shallow, additional structures are needed to keep the joint stable.

The labrum is a ring of strong, fibrous cartilage that surrounds the rim of the glenoid. It deepens the socket, improves joint stability and helps keep the ball of the shoulder securely in place. The biceps tendon attaches to the top portion of the labrum, known as the superior labrum, and plays an important role in stabilizing the shoulder during movement.

Overview

Symptoms

Symptoms of a shoulder labral tear can vary but often include:

Persistent shoulder pain, especially with overhead or rotational movements
A catching, locking or grinding sensation within the joint
Decreased range of motion or stiffness
A feeling of shoulder instability or weakness

Symptoms may worsen with activity and improve with rest, but ongoing discomfort should be evaluated to prevent further damage.

Diagnosis

Our orthopedic specialists take a thorough, patient-centered approach to diagnosing shoulder labral tears. Your evaluation typically begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination to assess strength, stability and range of motion.

Imaging studies may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the injury. These may include:

X-rays to assess bone structure and rule out other conditions
MRI or MRI arthrogram to visualize the labrum and surrounding soft tissues

We take time to explain your diagnosis in clear terms, so you understand your condition and treatment options.

Why treatment matters

Nonoperative treatments

Many labral tears can be managed successfully without surgery, particularly when symptoms are mild or activity demands are lower. Initial treatment may include:

Rest and activity modification to reduce stress on the shoulder
Anti-inflammatory medications to help control pain and swelling
Physical therapy focused on strengthening the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles to improve stability and shoulder mechanics

Your care team monitors your progress closely and adjusts your treatment plan as needed.

Operative treatments

If symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, or if the tear causes significant instability or pain, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions and a camera to visualize the joint.

During surgery, your surgeon examines the labrum and the biceps tendon. If the tear involves only the labrum, the damaged tissue may be trimmed or repaired. If the biceps tendon is involved or detached, sutures are used to repair and reattach the tendon securely to the bone.

Recovery and rehabilitation

After surgery, your shoulder will be supported in a sling for approximately three to four weeks to protect healing tissues. Once the sling is removed, guided physical therapy begins with gentle motion and flexibility exercises. Strengthening is added gradually as healing progresses.

Most patients experience steady improvement over several months, with a return to normal activities guided by their care team.

Videos in our patient education library are available to help you gain a general understanding of the condition or procedure. Read disclaimer.

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Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.