Labral Repair | IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics

Your labrum is essential to strength and mobility in your shoulders and hips. If yours has torn or been injured, seek treatment today at IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics. With locations in New Jersey and New York, we offer orthopedic procedures, including labral repairs, and serve patients throughout the tri-state area.

UNDERSTANDING LABRAL TEARS

The bones in your upper arm (humerus) and upper leg (femur) end in a rounded hemisphere designed to fit into the shoulder blade (scapula) or hip, respectively. This structure allows limbs to rotate in all directions. Meanwhile, the labrum – a ring of fibrous tissue, or fibrocartilage – deepens the socket, which holds the joint securely in place and cushions the bones. A damaged labrum cannot stabilize the joint effectively, causing the following symptoms in the affected limb:

Grinding, clicking, popping, or catching sensation when moving
Stiffness and decreased range of motion
Unstable, giving-out sensations
Loss of strength
Arm pain that worsens when held in an overhead position
Pain that worsens with daily activity or at night

Continued use of an injured joint may result in progressively worsening damage. Without treatment, this leads to scarring, dislocations, and other complications. Medical attention is necessary to restore stability and avoid future problems.

COMMON CAUSES OF LABRAL DAMAGE

Most labral tears are the result of normal wear. As people age, their fibrocartilage and other connective tissue degrade, and this more brittle tissue can tear easily. Some factors, however, may cause or exacerbate injuries outside of natural aging. These include:

Overuse

Constant, repetitive motion can accelerate the natural process of wear. Shoulder tears are commonly found in weightlifters, shelf stockers, and athletes who throw. Hip injuries also appear in athletes and in individuals whose occupations require bending and lifting.

Injury

The shoulder labrum may tear after a direct hit to the shoulder, an abrupt pull from heavy lifting, or landing on an outstretched arm after a fall. Hip tears result from contact sports or motor vehicle accidents.

Abnormalities

Occasionally, patients are born with a joint abnormality that puts extra stress on the labrum. This excessive strain often leads to a faster breakdown. Abnormalities may also be the result of past injuries to the labrum or other parts of the joint.

OUR TREATMENT OPTIONS

Most labral tears can be repaired through conservative methods. IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics starts our treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include ibuprofen and aspirin and can be purchased over the counter to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. More severe pain can be addressed with a corticosteroid injection. Meanwhile, physical therapy helps to restore strength, stability, and range of motion while preventing future injuries.

In some severe cases, surgery may be necessary. We are home to expert orthopedic surgeons who have years of experience performing advanced repair procedures. He will meet with patients to discuss the condition and form a personalized treatment plan that addresses their pain.

SEEK TREATMENT FOR LABRAL TEARS

IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics serves the tri-state area from our convenient locations in New Jersey and New York, specializing in diagnosing and treating brain, spine, and orthopedic conditions like labral tears. For more information about our award-winning care and services, contact us and schedule an appointment.