Diagnosis:
Surrounding the glenoid, also known as the shoulder socket, the labrum is cartilage that serves to support the shoulder joint. When the labrum is torn, it can cause pain, instability, and immobility of the shoulder. There are two common types of labrum tears:
SLAP Tear – The SLAP tear, which abbreviates Superior Labrum, Anterior and Posterior, is a common injury among athletes who engage in repetitive shoulder motion, and can also be caused by trauma. . SLAP tears affect the top, or superior, region of the labrum, at the location connecting the biceps tendon to the labrum.
Bankart Tear – Typically occurring as a result of shoulder dislocation in younger patients, the Bankart tear occurs at the anterior of the labrum and is a common source of shoulder instability and pain.