What it means
The labrum is a firm ring of cartilage attached to the edge of the shoulder or hip socket. It deepens the socket and helps hold the ball in place. It can tear in a dislocation, a fall or repeated twisting, or wear down with age. In the hip, a tear often goes with a bone shape that pinches the labrum, called impingement. On MRI, a tear shows as fluid or contrast seeping into or under the labrum.
When it matters
Small tears, especially from wear, are common and may cause no symptoms. A tear matters more if the joint catches, locks, feels unstable or has dislocated. A standard MRI can miss small tears, because the labrum is thin. MR arthrography, where contrast is injected into the joint first, shows them best. Many people improve with physiotherapy; others are referred to a surgeon, especially after repeated dislocations.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Where exactly is the tear, and could it explain my symptoms?
- Is the cartilage or bone next to the tear damaged too?
- Would an MR arthrogram add useful detail in my case?
