The shoulder labrum is one of the most misunderstood structures in the body and the word “labrum tear” can mean very different things depending on where the tear is.

In Part 1 of our Labrum series, Dr. Caleb Davis and Dr. Justin Givens break down the labrum anatomy and the key tear patterns:

• Clock-face anatomy (12 o’clock biceps anchor; front vs back of the socket)

• Bankart tears and why most shoulder dislocations go out the front

• Hill-Sachs and bony Bankart injuries (and why bone changes the risk discussion)

• Why many first-time dislocators don’t need surgery

• SLAP tears and why they’re commonly seen on MRI (especially over age 40)

• Posterior labrum tears: who gets them and what they feel like

• The key instability exam tests: apprehension and relocation

Next episode: we’ll get into treatment and surgery — what to try first, when surgery makes sense, and what’s changed in modern shoulder care.

Contact: info@calebdavismd.com
IG/X/TikTok: @calebdavismd | Podcast IG: @shoulderblueprint
Dr. Givens: @givensshoulderelbow

Medical disclaimer: Educational content only, not medical advice. Consult a physician for personal guidance.