Updates

Shoulder Labrum

08/31/2023 Conditions

min. read

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body. The ball or “head” of the arm bone (humerus) rests in a shallow rounded socket called the glenoid. To help make the socket deeper, the outer rim of the glenoid is ringed by tough, flexible tissue called the labrum.

What Is a SLAP Lesion?

SLAP stands for Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior. This means that the upper rim of the labrum has been torn from front to back. The tear happens where the biceps tendon attaches to the labrum. Common causes of a SLAP lesion include:

  • Falling on an outstretched hand
  • Forceful lifting or pulling on the arm, such as trying to catch a heavy object
  • Repeated overhead motions (such as throwing)
  • Shoulder dislocation

Diagnosing a SLAP lesion

To diagnose the problem, your healthcare provider will check your arm and shoulder. This includes moving your arm in certain directions to test for symptoms. You may also have imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. They may be done to evaluate the lesion and to look for other injuries such as breaks (fractures) or rotator cuff tears. These provide your healthcare provider with a detailed view of the tissues inside your shoulder joint.

Treating a SLAP lesion

Rest and anti-inflammatory medicines are often the first line of treatment. Injections of steroid medicine may be used. Physical therapy can also be used to strengthen the muscles in the shoulder. This helps keep the joint stable. If these treatments aren’t enough, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to repair the labrum.

A SLAP lesion is a shoulder injury. It happens when there is a tear in the upper part of the labrum. This is the fibrous cartilage that helps hold the shoulder joint in place. Surgery can repair this injury. This surgery may be done through a few small cuts (incisions), called arthroscopic surgery. Or, it may be done through 1 larger incision, called open surgery. You and your healthcare provider will discuss which method is right for you.

Preparing for surgery

Do's and don'ts: 

  • Tell your healthcare provider what prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take. This includes vitamins, herbs and supplements, aspirin, and ibuprofen. Ask if you should stop taking any of these before surgery.
  • Follow any directions you are given for not eating or drinking before surgery.
  • Bring any X-rays, forms, or scans your healthcare provider needs with you to the hospital.
  • Arrange for an adult family member or friend to give you a ride home after the procedure.

During surgery

During surgery, your surgeon will closely examine your shoulder. One or more repairs may be done:

  • The labrum may be reattached to the glenoid using surgical anchors or stitches (sutures).
  • Other damage to the shoulder may be repaired. This includes tightening the capsule. This is the sheet of tough fibers around the glenoid and humerus.

Possible risks and complications of shoulder surgery

Here are some of the possible risks and complications: 

  • Infection
  • Bleeding or blood clots
  • Damage to nerves or blood vessels
  • Stiffness or pain
  • Shoulder problem comes back
  • Stiches or implants don't fix the labrum

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body. The ball (or “head”) of the arm bone (humerus) rests in a shallow socket called the glenoid. To help make the socket deeper, the outer rim of the glenoid is ringed by tough, flexible tissue called the labrum. An injury to the labrum can result in a Bankart lesion.

What is a Bankart lesion?

The shoulder joint is enclosed by a sheet of ligaments and other tough fibers called the capsule. During a shoulder dislocation, fibers in the capsule can pull on the labrum and cause it to tear. A Bankart lesion is the name for a tear that happens in the lower rim of the labrum. Once the labrum is torn, it’s much easier for the humerus to slip out of its socket. You may also have pain and feel as if your shoulder is slipping out of place.

Diagnosing a Bankart lesion

To diagnose the problem, your healthcare provider will examine your arm and shoulder. This includes moving your arm in certain directions to test for symptoms. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI give your healthcare provider a detailed view of the tissues inside your shoulder joint.

Treating a Bankart lesion

Rest and anti-inflammatory medicines are often the first line of treatment. You may be given steroid medicine shots (injections). Physical therapy may also be prescribed to strengthen the muscles and stabilize the shoulder joint. If these treatments aren’t enough, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to repair the labrum.

A Bankart lesion is a shoulder injury. It happens when there is a tear in the front lower part of the labrum. This is the fibrous cartilage that helps hold the shoulder joint in place. Surgery can repair this injury. This surgery may be done through a few small cuts (incisions) called arthroscopic surgery. Or it may be done through 1 larger incision known as open surgery. You and your healthcare provider will discuss which method is right for you.

Preparing for surgery

What you can do to prepare for surgery: 

  • Tell your healthcare provider what prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take. This includes vitamins, herbs, and supplements. It also includes things such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Ask if you should stop taking any of these before surgery.
  • Follow any directions you are given for not eating or drinking before surgery.
  • Bring any X-rays, forms, or scans your healthcare provider needs with you to the hospital.
  • Arrange for an adult family member or friend to give you a ride home after the procedure.

During surgery

Your surgeon will examine the shoulder joint. One or more of the following repairs may be done:

  • The labrum and glenohumeral ligament are reattached to the glenoid. Surgical anchors or stitches (sutures) are used.
  • Other damage to the shoulder may be repaired. This includes tightening the capsule. This is the sheet of tough fibers that surrounds the glenoid and humerus. 

Possible risks and complications of shoulder surgery

Here are some the risks and complications: 

  • Infection
  • Damage to nerves or blood vessels
  • Moving or breaking of surgical anchors
  • Stiffness or pain
  • Recurring instability of the shoulder joint