Torn Labrum

Labrum is a cuff of cartilage which is contained in the shoulder joint. It serves to compensate for the shallow socket of the shoulder joint, which is a ball and socket joint. This in turn ensures stability of the shoulder joint thus, allowing wide range of movements. This labrum is made up of a tissue which is susceptible to suffer injury, which may cause it to tear and result in what is known as a labral tear. Apart from shoulder injury, a torn labrum in shoulder may also be a result of aging. The labrum is also present at the hip joint, where it acts like a suction to help hold the hip joint in place. People playing ice hockey, soccer, football, golfing and ballet are the ones who stay at a risk to sustain injuries which can lead to this condition. Even hip abnormalities may cause this condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms aren't many, but they are easily noticed. Affected people may have an aching sensation in the shoulder joint and suffer from joint pain during activities. Such people may also feel a catching sensation in their shoulders with movement. In case of torn labrum in hip, stiffness in the hip joint which seems to limit the range of motion is one prominent symptom. Apart from this, a locking, clicking or as in the case of the shoulders, a catching sensation is felt in the hip joint. Pain in the hip joint is also an obvious symptom of the condition.

Treatment

The treatment procedures are governed by the type of tear that has occurred. Medication to relieve pain and inflammation may be prescribed by the doctor. Physical therapy which consists of exercises are also recommended to patients. These exercises are meant to improve the range of motion in the shoulders and hips. At a later stage, patients will be advised to take up exercises which would help strengthen the shoulders and the hip. This will help in improving stability so as to encourage smooth movement of the affected body parts in all kinds of activities. It is to be remembered that such kinds of exercises must be performed under the guidance of an expert. This helps the instructor to advise the patient to avoid movements which may put unnecessary force on the shoulders or on the hip.

With the help of conservative treatments, people with mild cases of torn labrum recuperate within a few weeks. However, for severe cases, there arises the need to go for a surgery. A torn labrum surgery is an arthroscopic surgery, where the surgeon may repair the torn tissue by sewing it back together or remove the torn piece all together; depending upon the severity of the tear. The recovery time of this condition is about 2-6 months after surgery. Otherwise, as mentioned, it takes a few weeks for the patient to be symptom-free, if he has not undergone any surgical procedures.

A torn labrum, when mild, generally does not cause any complication. However, people must not overlook their case wherein, they experience painful symptoms for more than 4 weeks, as further delay may invite other problems. For instance, a torn labrum that has occurred in the hip joint, may make the person more susceptible to osteoarthritis in the torn area. So, as soon as you notice the symptoms, see a doctor.