Patient Portal: Effective June 2nd, the practice is using Epic’s MyChart medical record and the Athena portal is no longer available. If you are not on MyChart, please call 404-352-3522 for assistance.
Patient Portal: Effective June 2nd, the practice is using Epic’s MyChart medical record and the Athena portal is no longer available. If you are not on MyChart, please call 404-352-3522 for assistance.
Shoulder pain can be debilitating, affecting your ability to perform daily activities. Perhaps you are in this situation right now. If so, you may find comfort in knowing that a shoulder injury is quite common.
At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, with offices in Atlanta and Marietta, GA, we specialize in diagnosing and treating rotator cuff injuries and labrum tears. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The shoulder joint is a complex structure made up of the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and the shoulder socket (glenoid). The cup-shaped rim of cartilage known as the labrum surrounds the socket, helping secure the arm bone in place. Meanwhile, the rotator cuff is a group of rotator cuff muscles and rotator cuff tendons that stabilize and move the shoulder.
A labrum tear typically involves damage to the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket. This injury often results from repetitive movements, trauma, or a shoulder dislocation. One common type is the Bankart tear, often seen after dislocation, while another is the superior labrum anterior to posterior tear, also known as a SLAP tear or superior labrum tear.
The symptoms of a labrum tear can include the following:
The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and help you lift and rotate your arm. A cuff tear or rotator cuff tear can result from sudden trauma or wear and tear over time. These rotator cuff tears often involve damage at the attachment site where tendons connect to the upper arm bone.
Common symptoms of rotator cuff tears include the following:
A labrum tear can be caused by the following:
While both injuries can cause shoulder pain and similar rotator cuff tear symptoms, the underlying cause, tissue involved, and treatment options vary. A labral tear affects the cartilage rim, while a rotator cuff injury targets the muscles or tendons.
These injuries can present overlapping symptoms, so an accurate diagnosis is crucial.
An accurate diagnosis starts with a physical examination and review of your medical history. Imaging tools such as MRI or X-rays are used to distinguish between a torn labrum and a rotator cuff injury. These imaging tests help identify the location and severity of the tear and guide your treatment plan.
Treatment of shoulder injuries depends on the extent and location of the injury.
Many shoulder injuries respond well to conservative approaches. Non-surgical methods to reduce pain and restore mobility include:
When conservative care fails or the damage is extensive, surgical treatment may be necessary. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive option used to repair both labrum tears and rotator cuff injuries. These surgical methods involve using a small camera and instruments to address damage inside the shoulder.
If you’re suffering from a labrum tear, rotator cuff tear, or aren’t sure which injury you have, don’t delay treatment. Early intervention improves outcomes and reduces the risk of long-term damage.
At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, we’re committed to helping you regain function and live without pain. To learn more about shoulder injuries or schedule an appointment, contact our Atlanta or Marietta locations today.
