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Labrum Tear

Manhattan Orthopedics

Orthopedic Surgeons located in Midtown Manhattan, New York, Astoria, & Brooklyn, NY

Pain in your shoulder or hip can develop from many causes. If you’re an athlete, you are at risk of labrum tears, which are difficult to diagnose. Sports medicine specialist and board-certified orthopedic surgeon Edmond Cleeman, MD, at Manhattan Orthopedics, with locations in Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and Astoria in New York, specializes in diagnosing and treating labrum tears. For a comprehensive evaluation, call your nearest New York City office or book online today.

Labrum Tear Q & A

What is the labrum?

The labrum is a soft piece of cartilage in the socket joint of your shoulder and hip. It provides a cushion for the ball joint, assists with mobility, and provides joint stability. While both the shoulder and hip labrum can develop tears, they’re more likely to occur in the shoulder. 

What is a labrum tear?

A labrum tear refers to an injury to the soft cartilage in the joint. 

In the shoulder, labrum tears are categorized by where the tear occurs. If the tear is at the rim above the middle of your socket joint, it’s referred to as a SLAP (superior labrum, anterior to posterior) tear. If the tear is below the middle of the joint, it’s referred to as a Bankart tear. 

You may injure your shoulder labrum after a fall or a blow to the joint. Athletes who engage in repetitive shoulder movements, including baseball pitchers and weight lifters, are also at risk of shoulder labrum tears.

Hip labrum tears are most often seen in athletes who engage in repetitive activities that involve the hip, such as ice hockey, ballet, and golf. 

What are the symptoms of a labrum tear?

A labrum tear in your shoulder or hip causes a range of symptoms. Some common symptoms include:

  • Joint instability
  • Pain
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Stiffness
  • Clicking sensation in the joint

These symptoms are similar to other conditions that affect the joints, which can make diagnosis difficult.

How is a labrum tear diagnosed?

Dr. Cleeman conducts comprehensive evaluations when you come in with concerns about shoulder or hip pain. He may recommend an X-ray or MRI with contrast to assist in the diagnosis of a labrum tear.

What are the treatments for a labrum tear?

Treatment for your labrum tear depends on your stage of diagnosis. You may find some relief from your discomfort with anti-inflammatory medication and exercises that strengthen the supporting muscles.

However, for some patients with persistent pain that limits their activities, Dr. Cleeman performs arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn labrum. During this minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Cleeman uses a surgical camera to evaluate the tissues in your joint to determine the underlying cause of your pain and repair the damage.

You may need to limit the use of the joint following your surgery for a set period of time, and then start physical therapy to restore strength, coordination, and range of motion.

Labrum tears are difficult to diagnose. For expert care from an experienced orthopedic surgeon, call Manhattan Orthopedics or request an appointment online today.

This website and content contained herein (including articles, blogs, images, text, graphics, videos, etc.) is not designed to, and does not, provide medical advice. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment but is for general informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical condition or treatment options. Never rely on information in this website in place of seeking medical advice and treatment. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you may have read. If you think you may have a medical emergency you should seek immediate medical treatment. The practice does not endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be mentioned in this website.

 

 


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