The primary symptom of a labral tear that is not associated with
instability is pain in the area of the injury. Patients often
say:
the pain is located at the back on top of the shoulder or in
the front on top of the shoulder.
the pain feels like it is deep inside.
palpation (pressing) on the shoulder does not
duplicate the pain that they have.
Labral tears that involve the biceps tendon (SLAP tears) can make
using the biceps tendon painful. Overhead activity with inward rotation
of the shoulder (which occurs when pitching or serving a tennis ball)
causes pain. In addition, using a tool like a screwdriver can cause
pain because the biceps is the primary muscle used for this motion.
Patients with labral tears from internal impingement
(a pinching of the soft tissues) will complain that they have pain
with throwing. Usually the pain is worst when the arm changes direction
from late cocking to forward acceleration. In the shoulder, this pain
is located posterior (behind) and superior
(above). If there is a related partial thickness rotator cuff tear,
there may also be lateral (on the side) pain.
The primary symptom of a labral tear that is not associated with
instability is pain in the area of the injury. Patients often
say:
