A labrum injury, or cartilage tear in your shoulder or hip, can be debilitating. Experienced, board-certified orthopedic surgeons David Chao, MD, and Matthew Gargulinski, DO, at OasisMD in Encinitas, San Diego, and Temecula, California, are here for you. They treat labral tears in joints using conservative and advanced surgical techniques to ease pain, improve range of motion, and restore joint function. Call OasisMD for an appointment today or use the online scheduler.
The labrum is a protective rim of cartilage in ball and socket joints (your shoulder and hip) that provides cushioning, stability, and a full range of motion in these joints.
Labrum injuries can happen due to overuse or dislocation and often cause painful labral tears. They might occur playing sports, lifting something heavy, or falling down.
If you have a labrum injury, you might experience the following signs and symptoms:
Complications associated with labral tears include long-lasting pain, limited joint mobility, and an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis in the future.
Dr. Chao or Dr. Gargulinski diagnose shoulder or hip labral tears using a physical examination and advanced imaging, such as an MRI. Depending on your symptoms and the severity of your injury, your doctor might recommend one or more of the following treatments:
You might recover from a labral injury in a few weeks’ time with conservative treatments, such as ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers. If not, your doctor recommends additional solutions to help you heal and ease pain.
Your orthopedic specialist might suggest medications or injections to help relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation associated with a labrum injury.
A physical therapist teaches you exercises to strengthen your shoulder or hip joint, improve range of motion and stability, and ease pain.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) uses platelets from your own blood to stimulate new cell growth and enhance healing. Your doctor takes a sample of your blood, spins it in a centrifuge, and injects into the injured area.
In some cases, arthroscopic surgery is the best option to trim, remove, or repair labral tissue. Your orthopedic surgeon utilizes the most advanced surgical equipment, and an arthroscopic approach using tiny incisions to decrease bleeding and recovery time.
Don’t let shoulder or hip pain associated with a labral tear inhibit your mobility and reduce your quality of living. Schedule a consultation with the orthopedic specialists at OasisMD today or use the online booking tool.