The shoulder labrum is a thick rim of fibrous connective tissue (fibrocartilage) that circles the edge of the glenoid (socket). It performs two critical roles: deepening the naturally shallow socket to provide stability and acting as an attachment point for various shoulder ligaments and the long head of the biceps tendon. A tear in the labrum can lead to chronic instability, a sensation of popping or catching in the joint, and deep, aching pain. Common types include SLAP tears (superior labrum, anterior to posterior) and Bankart tears, which often occur during a shoulder dislocation.
Surgical repair of a labral tear is standard when pain and instability persist despite non-surgical efforts. The goal of the procedure is to restore stability by reattaching the detached labrum and any associated torn ligaments back to the glenoid bone. Most repairs are performed arthroscopically, utilizing suture anchors to hold the tissue securely in place during the crucial healing phase. This minimally invasive approach reduces recovery time compared to open surgery, but a period of immobilization and dedicated physical therapy is still essential for success.
