Glenoid Labrum Injury

What is the Glenoid Labrum?

The glenoid labrum is a ring of tissue which is located on the rim of the Glenoid, which is where the Humerus connects to the Scapula (Arm connects to the shoulder blade). This fibrous ring increases the depth of the shoulder cavity, which means that the joint is more stable. The Glenohumeral ligaments and the shoulder capsule are attached to the Glenoid Labrum.

How is the Glenoid Labrum injured?

• Repetitive overhead throwing
• Lifting or catching heavy objects below shoulder height
• Falling onto an outstretched arm

Glenoid Labrum injuries are classified as either suoerior or inferior. Superior injuries are located towards the top of the socket, and are known as SLAP Lesions (Superior Labrum injury, Anterior to Posterior). Inferior injuries are located at the bottom of the joint and are otherwise known as Bankart Lesions. Tears of the Glenoid Labrum can be caused by other injuries, such as dislocated shoulders.

Symptoms of a Glenoid Labrum lesion

• Non-local shoulder pain (The pain can't be pinned down to any one area).
• Pain is worse when undertaking overhead activities or when the arm is placed behind the back.
• Weak and instable shoulder.
• Pain when flexing the bicep against resistance.
• Tenderness over the front of the shoulder.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on Glenoid labrum tears and other shoulder injuries.