LABRAL TEAR SHOULDER INJURY – PERSONAL INJURY ACCIDENT LAWYER MN
Our attorneys regularly represent clients who have sustained a labral tear of their shoulder after a car crash, slip fall, or other accident.
What is a labral tear injury of the shoulder?
The shoulder is a ball and socket where the arm bone (humerus) is kept in the shoulder socket by a network of four muscles. These muscles also help move and stabilize the shoulder joint. To help make your shoulder stable, there is a ring of firm tissue, called the labrum, around your shoulder socket. The labrum (pronounced “lay-brum”) is a piece of fibrocartilage (rubbery tissue) that is attached to the rim of the shoulder socket. It helps keep your arm bone in the shoulder socket. Therefore, when this cartilage is torn, it is called a labral tear. In many cases, labral tears are caused by a direct injury to the shoulder. For example, a fall or a motor vehicle accident.
Symptoms of a labral tear
Symptoms of a labral tear may include a sharp pop or catching sensation in the shoulder during certain movements. This may be followed by a vague aching for several hours. In addition, you may experience shoulder instability from a damaged labrum. Similarly, the tear may cause the shoulder to feel weak or loose.
Diagnosing a labral tear of the shoulder
The labrum can tear a few different ways: 1) completely off the bone; 2) within or along the edge of the labrum; or 3) where the bicep tendon attaches. It is difficult to make a diagnosis of a torn labrum upon physical examination. Therefore, if a doctor suspects a labral tear, an MRI or CT exam will be ordered. However, even these tests will not identify all labral tears.
The best way to make a diagnosis of labrum tearing is with arthroscopy of the shoulder. Small incisions (approximately 1 cm in length) are made in the shoulder. Then, a fiber optic camera and other instruments are inserted to perform the surgery. Next, the shoulder is visually examined, including the cartilage, tendons and bursa. At that point, any necessary procedures, such as a labral repair, are performed.
Medical treatment for labrum tears of the shoulder injury after an accident – MN Lawyer
Treatment depends upon which type labrum tear. Sometimes, a doctor will first just recommend rest and medication (including pain medications and anti-inflammatories). Of course, physical therapy can also be effective. Often, however, orthopedic surgical repair of the tear is required. In most cases, this can be done at a same-day surgery center rather than a hospital.
Legal Representation for people with labral tear to the shoulder
If you have sustained a labrum injury to your shoulder from an accident, it is important to talk with a lawyer who represents clients with shoulder injuries. When a shoulder injury, such as a labral tear, is caused by the negligence of another person, we will assist you in recovering compensation for your losses. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and something for your pain and emotional distress.
Our top accident injury attorneys have over 25 years’ experience getting fair and complete compensation for people injured in a Minnesota accident. This includes an auto accident, work injury, slip fall, motorcycle accident and other situations. Call us for a free consultation. A lawyer will meet you to discuss your case and answer your questions at our offices in Minneapolis, Edina, Woodbury, Bloomington and St. Louis Park. In addition, our accident injury attorneys will come to your home in St. Paul, Roseville, St. Cloud, Mankato, Duluth, and other cities throughout Minnesota.