LABRAL (LABRUM) TEAR OF THE SHOULDER
CAN A LABRAL TEAR IN THE SHOULDER HEAL ITSELF?
Yes, a Labral tear in the shoulder can heal itself. If the labral tear in the shoulder has not resulted in an unstable shoulder or retracted bicep than the physician may recommend that the tear heal naturally unassisted. Even if a Labral tear in the should heals itself it should be noted that it will not be as strong as it was originally and will be at risk of future labral tears in the shoulder.
WHAT DOES A LABRAL TEAR IN THE SHOULDER FEEL LIKE?
A labral tear in the shoulder will often present with a deep shoulder pain, pain while lifting your arm across your body or with resistance from heavy objects. A labral tear in the shoulder can go unnoticed in some cases, while others can have significant pain. If the labrum is torn in the shoulder but remains attached to the socket than the tear may partially heal on its own but will still be susceptible to a increased risk of a future repeat of a labral tear in the shoulder.
DOES A LABRAL TEAR IN THE SHOULDER NEED SURGERY?
If a labral tear in the shoulder results in the labrum tearing away from the socket it may require surgery. However, if the labral tear in the shoulder does not detach it can often heal on its own with rest. The area after healing will be susceptible to increased risk of future labral tears in the shoulder. Common types of tears requiring surgery include the SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior) and a Bankart tear. During a SLAP tear the bicep retracts with a piece of labrum and will require arthroscopic shoulder surgery to reattach the bicep. A Bankart tear leaves the shoulder unstable and dislocated, or prone to future painful dislocation. A Bankart tear will need to be surgically correct to stabilize the shoulder.
HOW SERIOUS IS A LABRAL TEAR IN THE SHOULDER?
Labral tears in the shoulder can be either serious, or non-serious. Specific tears such as a SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior) tear, or a Bankart tear are serious and will require surgical intervention to repair the labral tear in the shoulder. Labral tears in the shoulder that do not displace the labrum from the socket can be symptomatic or asymptomatic, and while possibly painful they can heal on their own if they have not caused shoulder destabilization or destabilization of connecting tissues.
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