Labral Tears in Columbus, OH

A shoulder labral tear can cause pain, clicking, weakness, and a feeling that the joint is unstable during lifting, reaching, work, or sports. These injuries may occur after a fall or dislocation or develop gradually through repetitive use.

Having completed more than 100,000 patient evaluations, Dr. Brian Cohen provides individualized labral tear treatment in Columbus, OH. He evaluates the location and severity of the tear, shoulder stability, activity level, and response to previous care before recommending nonsurgical treatment or repair.

Labral Tear Treatment Chillicothe, OH

What is a Labrum Tear?

Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint with a wide range of motion. Your upper arm bone has a top shaped like a ball. This ball fits into a socket in your shoulder blade. The socket is your glenoid. Surrounding the socket is soft, fibrous tissue or gasket, called the labrum.

The labrum helps stabilize the shoulder joint. It is also where many of the shoulder ligaments attach and is where the long head of the biceps tendon attaches. Ligaments are fibrous bands of tissue that connect bone to other bone. Tendons are fibrous bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone.

A labrum tear is an injury to the labrum of the shoulder. There are different types of labrum tears that can occur in different locations of the labrum and impact other parts of the arm and shoulder. A labral tear can be the result of a traumatic injury or can be degenerative in nature.

Labrum Tear Symptoms

Labrum tear symptoms vary by the type of tear and can include the following:

  • Shoulder pain

  • Pain with overhead activities

  • Decreased range of motion

  • A feeling that the shoulder is unstable

  • Clicking and/or catching of the shoulder

  • Weakness

Labrum Tear Diagnosis

If you have a persistent shoulder injury and are concerned you have a labral tear, Dr. Cohen or one of his sports medicine colleagues will inquire about the nature of your injury and related symptoms. The doctor will perform a focused, comprehensive physical exam to evaluate your shoulder for areas of tenderness, assess range of motion, and establish if you have normal or decreased arm strength. Depending on the findings, they may order an X-ray and/or an MRI.

The best method to diagnose a labrum tear outside of the operating room is an MRI arthrogram. This is a special MRI in which the radiologist injects contrast material into the shoulder joint to help visualize the shoulder anatomy.

An MRI arthrogram may be used when a labral tear is suspected because contrast placed within the joint can make the labrum and surrounding structures easier to evaluate. Imaging does not identify every tear, so findings must be considered alongside the patient’s symptoms and physical examination.

Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to view the labrum directly through a small camera and is generally performed when surgical treatment is being considered. During the same procedure, the tear and other shoulder damage may be evaluated and treated.

Shoulder arthroscopic stabilization procedures

FiberTak® Instability Repair

Shoulder arthroscopic stabilization procedures

Knotless Shoulder Labral Repair with Arthrex® PushLock®

Shoulder arthroscopic stabilization procedures

FiberTak® DR Anchor Bridge Technique

Shoulder arthroscopic stabilization procedures

Knotless SutureTak® Instability Repair

Labrum Tear Treatment Options

The treatment for a labral tear is patient-dependent and will be tailored to your specific needs.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Some labrum tears may be treated without surgery with the following:

  • Rest

  • Anti-inflammatory medication

  • Physical therapy

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

When symptoms continue despite nonsurgical care or the tear causes substantial instability or functional limitations, arthroscopic surgery may be considered.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed through several small incisions. Dr. Cohen uses a small camera and specialized instruments to examine and treat the damaged labrum. Depending on the tear, treatment may involve trimming unstable tissue, repairing the labrum, or addressing damage involving the long head of the biceps tendon.

Your labrum tear surgical treatment may involve:

Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to view the labrum directly through a small camera and is generally performed when surgical treatment is being considered. During the same procedure, the tear and other shoulder damage may be evaluated and treated.

  • Trimming the labrum

  • Repairing the labrum

Arthroscopic Labral Tear Surgery Infographic

In situations where the tear extends into or compromises the attachment of the long head of the biceps tendon, the biceps tendon may need to be released at the same time the labral tear is repaired. This can also be done in conjunction with the re-attachment of the biceps tendon to the upper arm bone through a small open incision.

Why Choose Dr. Cohen?

OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.

TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE

Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.

UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY

To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.

PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY

An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.

Read Dr.Cohen’s Bio

Labral Tear Repair in Columbus, OH

A labral tear can cause pain, clicking, weakness, and recurring shoulder instability. Dr. Cohen evaluates the tear, shoulder mechanics, activity demands, and treatment goals before recommending physical therapy, medication, arthroscopic repair, or another appropriate option. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.

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