What is a Labral Tear, SLAP Tear, and Bankart Tear?

The labrum is a C-shaped rim of cartilage found in the shoulder joint surrounding the glenoid (socket). It serves two main functions:

• As an attachment site for the biceps tendon and glenohumeral ligaments.
• Deepening the socket to help keep the shoulder in place during movement.

A labral tear occurs when the labrum is peeled off the rim of the socket due to an injury, such as a shoulder dislocation. This can cause shoulder instability, leading to partial or complete dislocations. Labral tears are typically caused by falls on an outstretched arm or repetitive overhead motion.

Dr. Khaleel, Senior Consultant Arthroscopic Shoulder and Sports Surgeon at Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India, frequently treats SLAP and Bankart tears, the two most common types of labral injuries.

What is a SLAP Tear?

A SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) tear is a specific type of labral tear that occurs in the superior (upper) portion of the labrum. It often involves the attachment site of the biceps tendon (long head) at the top of the shoulder joint.

What is a Bankart Tear?

A Bankart tear is a labral tear that creates a pocket in the front or back of the socket, where the humeral (upper arm bone) head can dislocate into.

SLAP and Bankart tears are generally caused by trauma, such as a fall or collision, or from repetitive overuse. SLAP tears are particularly common in overhead athletes like volleyball, baseball, and tennis players.

What are the Symptoms of a Torn Labrum?

• Deep shoulder pain
• Shoulder instability
• Decreased range of motion
• Shoulder stiffness
• A popping sensation
• A clicking sensation

SLAP and Bankart tears often make normal shoulder movements difficult. Patients with a Bankart tear may feel their shoulder may dislocate or “slip” out of place.

How to Know If You Have a Torn Labrum

Dr. Khaleel, Senior Consultant Arthroscopic Shoulder and Sports Surgeon at Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India, will perform a physical examination to diagnose a labral tear. If a SLAP tear is present, it is important to determine if the torn labrum is linked to pre-existing shoulder instability or resulted from trauma.

To confirm the diagnosis, Dr. Khaleel may also recommend:

• X-rays: To rule out bone damage.
• MRI Scan: To detect soft tissue injuries. A contrast dye is often injected into the shoulder joint before the MRI to identify the exact location of the tear.