MRI on right shoulder

[Wesley3116]

Recent MRI on right shoulder with following results: 1) the superior labrum posterior to the bicipital anchor is avulsed.  2) The rotator cuff is intact.  What exactly does this mean and what would my options be?  Thank you.

[lgk123]

I have a torn labrum (three months ago) as well.  I'm considering surgery as I've already gone through therapy and there are still times of discomfort.

Regarding your bicep, the bicep tendon is attached to the labrum in your shoulder, so I was told that it's basically "flapping" in the wind if your labrum is detached.

[Wesley3116]

Thanks for your reply.  
I found all kind of info for the slap injury, but why would my mri say my bicipital anchor is absent.  I suppose that means I ripped it off??  Seems that would have taken a significant amount of trauma for this to happen, as I can't recall anything of this nature.  I'm only 36 so you would think i would have known when an injury like this took place.
Is there a risk if I do nothing, besides a sore shoulder?  I have an appointment to see a ortho surgeon in a couple of weeks, so in the meantime I'm just trying to figure out what my options are.
Thanks
Wesley

[usarmymedic1]

Definition A superior labral tear is an injury to the cartilage that covers the top part of the shoulder socket. (Glenoid)


Details
The labrum is a lip like piece of cartilage that deepens the socket (Glenoid) of the shouldere joint. It functions to help stabilize the shoulder. The labrum is divided into superior, inferior, anterior and posterior parts. The anterior-inferior portion of the labrum can be torn when the shoulder dislocates forwardly. A superior labral tear is also sometimes known as a "SLAP Lesion".


Causes

Superior labral tears can occur when a patient falls onto an outstretched hand or shoulder. They may also occur in association with rotator cuff tendonitis and tears. Oftentimes, however, the exact cause of the superior labral tear is not known.
Diagnosis A superior labral tear is diagnosed when a patient complains of clicking in the shoulder associated with vague pain the front or top of the shoulder. Physical exam techniques such as the crank test are used to support the diagnosis. An MRI may also reveal the tear. Shoulder arthroscopy, however, is the only definitive means of confirming a superior labral tear.


Treatment

Nonoperative: Most superior labral tears can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification and physical therapy.

Operative: If nonoperative treatment fails, surgery may be indicated. Shoulder arthroscopy with smoothing, partial removal or reattachment of the superior labraum is the most common operative treatment. The details of superior labral tear treatment surgically are controversial and evolving rapidly.

hope this helps

medic