Common Symptoms

Deep anterior or posterior shoulder pain that is difficult to localize precisely
Mechanical catching, clicking, or locking sensation during overhead activities
Sense of instability or the shoulder "slipping" during throwing or reaching motions
Pain with specific provocative positions such as the cocked arm in overhead athletes
Decreased throwing velocity or loss of accuracy in overhead athletes
Aching discomfort at rest that intensifies with activity

Shoulder Labral Tear & SLAP Lesion: AI-Powered MRI Analysis

AI-powered shoulder labral tear detection on MRI. Classify SLAP lesions, Bankart tears, and posterior labral injuries by type and extent. Multi-model AI analysis of glenoid labrum from multiple planes.

Overview

The glenoid labrum is a fibrocartilaginous ring that deepens the shoulder socket and serves as an attachment point for the glenohumeral ligaments and long head of the biceps tendon. Labral tears are classified by location and pattern: SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) tears involve the superior labrum at the biceps anchor, while Bankart lesions involve the anteroinferior labrum and are associated with shoulder dislocations. Our AI consortium evaluates labral morphology, identifies tear patterns, and assesses for associated osseous injuries.

Key Imaging Findings

Labral detachment or irregularity on axial or coronal MRI
SLAP tear with extension into the biceps anchor
Bankart lesion with anteroinferior labral avulsion
Bony Bankart with glenoid rim fracture
Hill-Sachs lesion on the posterolateral humeral head
Paralabral cyst suggesting underlying labral tear

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a SLAP tear and a Bankart lesion?

A SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) tear involves the superior labrum at the biceps anchor, typically caused by repetitive overhead loading or a fall on an outstretched arm. A Bankart lesion is an anteroinferior labral avulsion at the 3 to 6 o'clock position resulting from anterior glenohumeral dislocation. Both are best visualized on MR arthrogram, where intra-articular gadolinium outlines the labrum and highlights tears as linear contrast extension into the labral tissue. Axial T2-FS images depict Bankart lesions, while coronal-oblique and sagittal sequences demonstrate SLAP tears at the biceps anchor.

How accurate is MR arthrogram for diagnosing labral tears?

MR arthrogram is the most sensitive imaging study for labral pathology, with sensitivity exceeding 90% for SLAP tears and anteroinferior Bankart lesions. Intra-articular gadolinium distends the joint capsule and infiltrates labral defects, converting subtle fraying to clearly demarcated signal abnormalities. Standard MRI without arthrogram misses a significant proportion of partial labral tears. The axial plane is critical for Bankart lesions, while the coronal-oblique plane evaluates the superior labrum and biceps anchor. A Hill-Sachs impaction fracture of the posterosuperior humeral head, visible on axial images, corroborates a history of anterior dislocation.

What are the surgical options for labral tears?

Arthroscopic labral repair is the standard treatment for symptomatic Bankart and SLAP lesions that fail conservative management. For Bankart repairs, the anteroinferior labrum is reattached to the glenoid rim with suture anchors, restoring the labral bumper and capsulolabral complex. SLAP repairs reattach the superior labrum and biceps anchor. In patients over 35 with SLAP tears, biceps tenodesis often produces more reliable results than superior labral repair. Bony Bankart lesions with significant anterior glenoid bone loss may require the Latarjet coracoid transfer procedure to restore osseous stability. Postoperative rehabilitation focuses on progressive range of motion followed by rotator cuff strengthening.

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How to Read a Shoulder MRI: A Patient's Guide

Understand your shoulder MRI report, key anatomical structures, and what common findings mean.

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Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AI-generated analysis may contain errors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical decisions. Full Disclaimer