Shoulder pain can significantly impact your quality of life, limiting your ability to perform everyday activities and enjoy your favorite hobbies. One common cause of shoulder discomfort is a labrum tear, a condition that affects the cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket. At Naples Orthopedic, Dr. Steven S. Goldberg, an orthopedic surgeon, specializes in diagnosing and treating labrum tears using advanced techniques.
What is a Labrum Tear?
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the bony shoulder socket, effectively deepening the shoulder socket. The best analogy would be comparing a soup bowl to a dinner plate. The surrounding ligaments in the shoulder also attach to the labrum and combined with a deeper shape, provide stability and cushioning for the joint. A labrum tear occurs when this cartilage is damaged or pulled away from the bony socket, often due to injury or repetitive shoulder movements. Athletes and individuals who perform overhead activities are particularly susceptible to labrum tears.
What are the Two Main Types of Labrum Tears
The majority of labrum tears either occur at the superior, or upper aspect of the shoulder socket, or in the lower front (anterior) portion of the labrum. The superior labrum tears, also called SLAP tears, are frequently due to repetitive activities. The anterior labrum tears typically occur during contact sports where the shoulder joint dislocates from a traumatic injury. Even though they are both injuries of the labrum, they are managed very differently.
Recognizing Labrum Tear Symptoms
Symptoms of tears of the labrum that occur from repetitive use typically include:
- Deep, aching pain in the shoulder
- A catching or locking sensation during movement
- Decreased range of motion
- Weakness in the arm
- A feeling of instability in the shoulder joint
- Loss of strength
- Difficulty performing hobbies or heavier tasks
How is a Labrum Tear Diagnosed?
Your orthopedic provider will meet with you, examine your shoulder and talk about your symptoms. Oftentimes, your provider can predict or have high suspicion of a labrum tear based on your description of the problem. However, a labrum tear can only be confirmed with advanced techniques such as MRI or visualised during an arthroscopic surgery.
At Naples Orthopedic, we routinely utilize these state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately identify labrum tears and other issues.
Innovative Treatment Options
Dr. Goldberg offers a range of treatment options for labrum tears, tailored to each patient’s specific needs. These include:
Non-Surgical Approaches
- Rest and activity modification
- Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections for pain relief
Surgical Interventions
Certain types of labrum tears, especially the anterior labrum tears in younger patients, benefit from early surgery. For other labrum tears, when conservative treatments aren’t effective, labrum repair surgery may be necessary to address this and other problems in the shoulder. Dr. Goldberg specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, which offer several benefits:
- Smaller incisions
- Reduced post-operative pain
- Faster recovery times
- Lower risk of complications
Dr. Goldberg and his team provide comprehensive post-operative care to ensure optimal healing and a successful return to an active lifestyle.
Why Choose Naples Orthopedic?
At Naples Orthopedic, we’re committed to delivering exceptional care and achieving outstanding outcomes. Dr. Steven S. Goldberg brings years of experience and expertise in shoulder surgery, including labrum repair. Our patients consistently report high satisfaction with their treatment and results, as evidenced by our testimonials.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a labrum tear or any shoulder discomfort, it’s time to seek expert care. Dr. Goldberg and the team at Naples Orthopedic are here to help you regain your mobility and return to the activities you love.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Steven S. Goldberg today to discuss your shoulder concerns and explore treatment options. Contact us now to take the first step towards a pain-free future.
