Introduction The labrum is a cartilage structure comprised of collagen bundles and is found on the outer portion of the glenoid (2,10).
The labrum is a cartilage structure comprised of collagen bundles and is found on the outer portion of the glenoid (2,10). It serves a role by deepening the cup to help avoid episodes of shoulder instability and as an attachment of ligamentous structures (2,10). The labrum acts as both an insertion of the long head of the biceps and to the glenohumeral ligaments.
The outer portion of the labrum is vascularized and the inner portion is mostly avascular. The labrum can be divided based on the location on the glenoid including the superior, anterior, inferior, and posterior labrum. Glenoid divided into quadrants Labral tears of the shoulder can occur from a variety of pathologies.
Patients with labral tears will present with pain with throwing and some patients can be acutely injured after a mechanical fall. The labrum is typically evaluated with an MRI with intra-articular contrast. This review will differentiate labral tears based on location to help providers better visualize the differences in these tears.
Superior Labral Quadrant The superior labrum is less tightly attached to the glenoid, allowing more motion during overhead activity. The first type of tear to discuss is a category of tears known as superior labrum anterior to posterior tears (SLAP). The superior portion of the labrum acts as the anchor to the long head of the biceps tendon.
The proposed mechanism of the tear is a peel-back mechanism where the biceps tendon attachment on the superior labrum causes the labrum to be “peeled” off the glenoid rim posteriorly. For the purpose of this review, we will look at the most common classification, which is the Snyder classification, that includes SLAP tears I through IV. Fraying of the labrum without a tear in the superior portion of the glenoid labrum and there is no tear of the biceps tendon II.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to types of shoulder labrum tears, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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