Labral tears

If the labrum is torn or avulsed in the inferior two-thirds of its extent, this usually signifies a Bankart lesion. However, there is some discus­sion about tears in the upper third (Figures 6.19 and 6.20), and tears without separation.

Detrisac1 has described a normal separation of the labrum in the upper third, occurring in some 80 per cent of the cadavers he examined. Others have described a superior tear, or avulsion of the superior labrum and the origin of the long head of biceps, which may be common in throwing sports. This is thought to be caused by the pull of biceps in the decelera­tion phase of elbow extension.

Figures 6.19 and 6.20 Tears of the glenoid labrum.