What it is
The labrum is a rim of tough cartilage that deepens the shallow shoulder socket (glenoid) and anchors the ligaments that hold the joint together.
When the shoulder dislocates or partly slips out (subluxation), the labrum can tear away from the bone. This is often called a Bankart lesion. Overhead athletes can also develop tears at the top of the labrum where the biceps tendon attaches, called SLAP tears.
Symptoms
- The shoulder slipping or popping out of place
- Apprehension with the arm raised and turned outward
- Pain, clicking or catching deep in the joint
- A "dead arm" sensation with throwing or overhead activity
Diagnosis
Examination tests check stability and reproduce symptoms. X-rays confirm the joint is aligned and look for bone injury. An MRI, often with contrast (MR arthrogram), shows the labrum; a CT scan may be used if bone loss is suspected.
Treatment options
Non-surgical
- Immobilization for a short period after a first dislocation
- Physical therapy to restore motion and strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder-blade muscles
- Gradual return to activity once strength and control return
Surgical
- Arthroscopic stabilization (labral repair). The torn labrum is reattached to the rim of the socket with small anchors and the capsule is tightened.
- Remplissage. When a dislocation has left an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion, a dent in the back of the ball that can catch on the rim of the socket, the nearby infraspinatus tendon and capsule can be anchored arthroscopically into the dent so it no longer engages. It is often combined with a Bankart (labral) repair.
- Open stabilization procedures may be recommended when there is significant bone loss or repeated dislocations.
- Young athletes in contact sports have a higher risk of dislocating again, which is one reason surgery is sometimes discussed after a first dislocation.
Recovery
- First weeks
A sling protects the repair, typically for several weeks.
- Motion
Physical therapy restores range of motion in a controlled progression.
- Strength
Strength and neuromuscular control are rebuilt over the following months.
- Return to sport
Return to contact or overhead sport is commonly around four to six months or longer, based on strength and function rather than the calendar alone.
Timelines are typical ranges, not guarantees. Recovery depends on the specific injury, the procedure, your health and your rehabilitation, and your plan is individualized.
Questions patients ask
Can a dislocated shoulder be put back in at home?
No. A dislocated shoulder should be evaluated and reduced by a medical professional, followed by X-rays.
Will my shoulder dislocate again?
The risk depends on your age, sport, number of prior dislocations and any bone injury. Your evaluation helps estimate this risk.
What is a SLAP tear?
A tear of the top (superior) part of the labrum where the biceps tendon attaches, seen especially in throwing and overhead athletes.
What is a remplissage?
An arthroscopic procedure for an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion, a dent in the back of the ball of the shoulder caused by dislocation. The nearby infraspinatus tendon and capsule are anchored into the dent so it can no longer catch on the socket rim. It is often combined with a Bankart (labral) repair.
This page is general patient education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.