Glenoid Labrum Tear

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 2 min read

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The shoulder is a typical ball and socket joint where the humerus (rounded part of the upper arm bone) rests in the socket called glenoid. The humerus is much larger than the socket and a layer of soft tissue called labrum lines the inner part of the socket which creates additional space for the humerus to fit in, which helps in keeping the joint stable. Many ligaments join the bone and muscles within this socket. Tearing of this soft tissue lining is termed as the Glenoid Labrum Tear. Such tears mostly occur above or below the middle section of the labrum. In some cases, they may be accompanied by tendon and ligament damage as well.

Causes

Sudden fall on the shoulder, arm and hand
Direct trauma to the shoulder or upper arm
Lifting heavy object
Shoulder Dislocation
Age related wear and tear of the cartilage
Sports injuries

Symptoms

Pain usually occurs when the arm is moved above the head
Swelling and pain when an area is touched or pressed. সহজ বাংলা: চাপ দিলে ব্যথা।" data-rx-term="tenderness" data-rx-definition="Tenderness means pain when an area is touched or pressed. সহজ বাংলা: চাপ দিলে ব্যথা।">tenderness in the shoulder or upper arm
A locking/catching kind of feeling in the shoulder
Grinding or popping sound or feeling when the shoulder is moved
Restricted range of motion
Weak or unstable shoulder
A constant feeing of the shoulder slipping out

Diagnosis

Physical evaluation of the injured shoulder to assess its functioning and stability
The patient’s medical history and details of the injury may be taken into consideration
X-ray imaging to check for bone damage or displacement
CT scan and MRI may help to diagnose soft tissue damage
In some cases a contrast medium may be injected to reveal the location of damage

Treatment

Prescription of infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory medicines for pain relief
Rest the injured joint
Certain exercises may help to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles
The orthopedic surgeon may use arthroscopic techniques to repair or remove the torn labrum
Surgical tightening of the labrum tissues
The arm and shoulder are cast in a sling post-surgery for stability after the surgery for a few weeks
Gentle range of motion exercises are helpful post-surgery to regain flexibility and movement

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