Labral
tears of the shoulder have been a particular focus of attention since
the advent of the arthroscope, a small instrument that
allows the orthopaedic surgeon to clearly see inside the shoulder
joint and view the labrum, its environment, and any injuries that
may have occurred. The arthroscope, in conjunction with anatomic dissections,
history, physical examination, and symptoms has allowed orthopaedic
surgeons to better understand and treat a variety of injuries to the
labrum.
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. It consists
of a complex arrangement of structures working together to provide
the movement necessary for daily life. Unfortunately, this great mobility
comes at the expense of stability. Four bones and a network of soft
tissue structures (ligaments, tendons, and muscles) work together
to produce shoulder movement. They interact to keep the joint in place
while it moves through extreme ranges of motion. Each of these structures
makes an important contribution to shoulder movement and stability.
Certain work or sports activities can put great demands upon the shoulder,
and injury can occur when the limits of movement are exceeded and/or
the individual structures are overloaded.Click
here to read more about shoulder structure.
Labral
tears of the shoulder have been a particular focus of attention since
the advent of the arthroscope, a small instrument that
allows the orthopaedic surgeon to clearly see inside the shoulder
joint and view the labrum, its environment, and any injuries that
may have occurred. The arthroscope, in conjunction with anatomic dissections,
history, physical examination, and symptoms has allowed orthopaedic
surgeons to better understand and treat a variety of injuries to the
labrum. 
the joint and acts as a "bumper" to limit excessive motion of the
humerus, the "ball" side of the shoulder joint. More
importantly, it holds the humerus securely to the glenoid, almost
as if suction were involved. Although the glenoid itself is a relatively
flat surface, the labrum's cuff-like contour gives the glenoid a more
concave shape. The secure but flexible fit of the humerus within
the glenoid permits the great range motion of the healthy shoulder.
