Labral Tears

25 Oct

What Is a Labral Tear?

A labral tear is an injury to the ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip or shoulder socket, helping to stabilize the joint. The labrum acts as a cushion and attachment point for ligaments, and a tear can cause pain, instability, and limited range of motion. Labral tears can result from trauma, overuse, or degenerative changes in the joint, commonly affecting athletes or individuals engaged in repetitive overhead or twisting activities. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating labral tears to help patients regain strength, mobility, and function in the affected joint.

The labrum is a ring of soft cartilage that lines the socket of ball-and-socket joints, such as the hip and shoulder. Its main function is to deepen the socket, providing stability and allowing the joint to move smoothly. A labral tear occurs when this cartilage becomes damaged, either due to trauma, repetitive motion, or degeneration over time.

There are two main types of labral tears, depending on the joint affected:

Causes of Labral Tears

Labral tears can result from several factors, including trauma, repetitive motion, and wear and tear. Common causes include:

Symptoms of Labral Tears

The symptoms of a labral tear can vary depending on the severity of the tear and the joint affected. Common signs and symptoms include:

Diagnosis of Labral Tears

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosing a labral tear involves a thorough physical examination and imaging tests to determine the extent of the injury and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

1. Physical Examination: The doctor will assess the affected joint by testing the range of motion, strength, and stability. They may ask about the patient’s activity level, recent injuries, and the onset of symptoms.

2. Imaging Tests:

Treatment for Labral Tears

Treatment for labral tears at Dr. Burke Orthopedics focuses on relieving pain, restoring joint function, and preventing further damage. Both non-surgical and surgical treatment options are available, depending on the severity of the tear and the patient’s activity level.

1. Non-Surgical Treatments

2. Surgical Treatments: Surgery may be recommended if non-surgical treatments do not provide adequate relief or if the tear is large or causing significant instability. Surgical options include:

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from a labral tear depends on the severity of the tear and the treatment approach. For non-surgical cases, most patients experience significant improvement within a few weeks to months with proper rest and physical therapy.

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a full recovery and a return to pain-free movement.

Why Choose Dr. Burke Orthopedics for Labral Tears?

Dr. Burke Orthopedics offers expert care for patients with labral tears, providing both conservative and surgical treatment options. Our team of orthopedic specialists is committed to helping patients relieve pain, restore joint function, and prevent future injuries. With advanced diagnostic tools and state-of-the-art treatment techniques, we ensure that each patient receives the best possible care for their specific condition. Whether you need conservative management or arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Burke Orthopedics is here to guide you through your recovery journey.