Question 1

What is a labral tear?

Accepted Answer

The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the glenoid that helps provide stability to the shoulder. A labral tear occurs when part of this cartilage is torn or separated from the glenoid.

Question 2

Does every labral tear require surgery?

Accepted Answer

No. Many labral tears can be treated conservatively. Tears associated with shoulder dislocations are more commonly repaired if recurrent instability develops. Superior labral tears, known as SLAP tears, may also be treated surgically if they remain symptomatic despite conservative treatment.

Question 3

Can a labral tear heal without surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In some situations, a labral tear can scar back down to the bone. Whether it actually heals or not, many labral tears can become asymptomatic and require no further treatment.

Question 4

What is a Bankart lesion?

Accepted Answer

A Bankart lesion occurs when the anterior-inferior labrum is torn away from the glenoid during a traumatic shoulder dislocation. It is a common cause of recurrent shoulder instability.

Question 5

What is a SLAP tear?

Accepted Answer

SLAP stands for "Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior." It is a tear of the superior portion of the labrum where the biceps tendon attaches. It is often related to trauma in younger patients and typically causes pain with certain activities rather than shoulder dislocations.

Labral Tears