Labral Tears

Labral tears of the hip and shoulder are a common issue among athletes. A study conducted by Briggs et al showed that out of 70 nonsymptomatic patients, 89% of the participants 16 years of age or older had labral tears and 56% of the participants 16 years or younger had labral tears. The prevalence is alarming but shows that even patients with no reported symptoms have a high likelihood of showing labral tearing on imaging. 

That is why advanced imaging such as MRI shouldn't be the main determining factor when dictating the course of treatment. A functional exam should be performed followed by a trial of conservative care before surgery is considered for most cases. 

At Denner Chiropractic and Performance | Charlotte, North Carolina 

• Highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.
• Studies show the best outcomes are a result of conservative care 
• Once out of pain, we give you the tools you need to keep your functional improvements  
• We offer several techniques from DNS rehabilitation, joint manipulation, soft tissue, dry needling, and more.

What Are The Long-Term Effects Of A Labral Tear?

This question depends on the severity of labral tearing. Minor labral tears can be successfully managed with conservative care and with successful treatment have no long-term complications. In the case of severe labral tearing, surgery is recommended due to the high lightly hood of instability and pain. If left untreated labral tears can lead to chronic pain, instability, and further joint degeneration.     

Is There A Difference Between A Labral Tear In The Shoulder And A Labral Tear In The Hip?

They are very similar in mechanism and treatment approach. The one key difference between the two sites of injury is that the shoulder is already predisposed to instability because it is naturally an unstable joint due to the ability of the shoulder to provide a great deal of motion. This is important to consider because the labrum helps stabilize the shoulder joint. If the labrum is compromised then it can lead to a greater amount of instability and pain.  

Is There A Way To Prevent A Labral Tear?

Preventing a labral tear is an important consideration in many physical activities. The most effective way to prevent a labral tear is through proper joint centration and ideal movement patterns. If we are able to move our bodies in the correct pattern then passive structures like the labrum aren't compromised during physical activity. 

How Does A Labral Tear Affect Overall Athletic Performance?

Labral tears can have an impact on overall athletic performance, as the injury can cause pain and instability in the affected joint. This may limit an athlete’s range of motion or ability to perform certain activities. Additionally, the inability to adequately stabilize a joint could affect an athlete’s speed, power, and agility. Furthermore, labral tears can lead to further complications such as arthritis if left untreated.

Are Labral Tears More Common In Certain Sports Or Activities?

Labral tears are a common injury experienced by athletes, especially those participating in contact sports. A case study published by the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine in 2018 reported that labral tears were found to be prevalent in male soccer players and gymnasts. Moreover, this study revealed that labral tears were more likely to occur during dynamic activities involving sudden changes of direction such as cutting or pivoting. Therefore, labral tears are most commonly observed in athletes who participate in sports or activities which involve frequent changes of direction.