What is a Labral Injury?
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds and deepens the socket of ball-and-socket joints, such as the shoulder (glenoid labrum) and hip (acetabular labrum). It provides stability, cushioning, and smooth movement of the joint. A labral injury occurs when this cartilage becomes torn or damaged due to trauma, overuse, or degenerative changes.
Causes of Labral Injuries
Labral tears can develop due to various reasons, including:
- Repetitive Movements – Overuse in sports or activities that involve frequent overhead motions (shoulder) or twisting motions (hip)
- Trauma or Direct Impact – Falls, accidents, or sudden joint dislocations
- Degenerative Changes – Wear and tear due to aging or arthritis
- Structural Abnormalities – Hip impingement (FAI) that increases stress on the labrum
- Sudden Twisting or Pivoting – Common in sports such as basketball, soccer, and golf
Symptoms of a Labral Injury
Symptoms can vary depending on the location of the injury but generally include:
- Pain and Discomfort – Deep joint pain, especially with movement
- Clicking, Catching, or Locking Sensation – Feeling the joint “catch” during motion
- Reduced Range of Motion – Stiffness and limited mobility
- Joint Instability – A feeling of weakness or giving way in the joint
Common Types of Labral Injuries
Shoulder Labral Tears (Glenoid Labrum)
- SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) – Common in overhead athletes, affecting the upper part of the labrum
- Bankart Tear – Often occurs after a shoulder dislocation, affecting the front of the labrum
- Posterior Labral Tear – Less common, usually caused by repetitive stress or trauma
Hip Labral Tears (Acetabular Labrum)
- Common in athletes, dancers, and individuals with hip impingement (FAI)
- Can cause groin pain, stiffness, and difficulty with rotation movements
- May lead to arthritis if left untreated
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose labral injuries using:
- Physical Examination – Assessing pain, range of motion, and joint stability
- X-rays – To rule out fractures or bone abnormalities
- MRI with Contrast (MR Arthrogram) – The most effective imaging to detect labral tears
- Diagnostic Injection – A numbing injection may be used to confirm if the labrum is the source of pain
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and Activity Modification – Avoiding movements that worsen symptoms
- Physical Therapy – Strengthening exercises to improve joint stability
- Medications – NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) to reduce inflammation and pain
- Corticosteroid Injections – Temporary pain relief for severe cases
Surgical Treatments
- Arthroscopic Labral Repair – Minimally invasive surgery to repair or reattach the torn labrum
- Labral Debridement – Trimming damaged tissue if repair is not possible
- Labral Reconstruction – In severe cases, a graft may be used to replace the damaged labrum
Labral injuries can cause significant pain, instability, and limited mobility, but early diagnosis and treatment can help restore joint function. Many cases improve with non-surgical approaches, while severe tears may require arthroscopic surgery for optimal recovery.
