(Sometimes known as a Bankart Lesion when associated with an anterior, or frontward, shoulder dislocation)
The shoulder is the junction of three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), the clavicle (collarbone), and scapula (shoulder blade). The ball-like head of the humerus fits into the cup-like end of the scapula known as the glenoid. This junction is commonly referred to as the shoulder socket, and is stabilized by the rotator cuff tendons and muscles. A circle of soft tissue known as the labrum surrounds the end of the glenoid like a gasket to make a tighter junction between the humerus and glenoid. An injury to the shoulder can cause the labrum to tear, and as the humerus presses this torn piece of labrum against the glenoid, pain occurs. A tear of the labrum reduces the degree to which the humerus is held in the socket, and may increase instability, causing future dislocations or subluxation.Causes and Risk Factors
Causes
Excess motion of the humerus within the glenoid by repeated throwing or similar motions may cause the labrum to tear. An acute injury, often resulting from a fall on an outstretched hand, can cause the condition as well.Risk Factors
Frequent anterior (frontward) subluxation or acute dislocation pose the greatest risk for tear of the labrum.
Last updated: Jan-01-00
