Labrum and Slap Injuries
When the labrum, an important type of cartilage that surrounds the glenoid cavity of the shoulder, is injured or torn, it is called a labral tear. Since the glenoid cavity itself has a moderately flat surface, the labrum is responsible for giving the cavity depth and forming its concave shape, increasing shoulder stability.
Labral tears, which are quite common, usually result from falls with an outstretched arm or repetitive efforts or sports involving overhead arm positions (throwing, swimming, weightlifting). A SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) is a special type of labral tear that occurs in the upper part where the long head of the biceps inserts into the glenoid cavity. These types of injuries are particularly common in athletes participating in sports involving overhead arm positioning, such as tennis or baseball. Injury to this region can be extremely painful and, in severe cases, lead to a biceps tendon tear or rupture.
The main symptom of a labral tear is pain in the injured area—typically in the upper posterior region of the shoulder or deep pain inside the joint. Pain is usually intense and can be associated with mechanical symptoms such as clicking. Shoulder stiffness can also be a symptom of a labral tear.
If conservative management strategies are ineffective, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove the torn portion of the labrum. This is done almost exclusively through arthroscopic surgery.
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