Skip to main content

Difference between a Tear and Partial Labrum Tear

What’s the difference between a partial labrum tear and a full labrum tear in the shoulder?

My 13 year old went to the ortho today and we were told he had a partial tear of the thick tissue. After speaking to the PT later, he agreed that it was more than likely a labrum tear. We are going to seek a second opinion in the upcoming weeks.

He injured his throwing arm about 6 months ago and was diagnosed with tendinitis of the rotator cuff. At that time, the PT thought it was likely a torn labrum but continued to treat it as tendinitis. After 6 weeks, he was released for normal throwing and came back throwing as hard as ever. About a month ago I started noticing a hesitance in throwing across the diamond. My son informed me that he had started experiencing pain about a month ago during a pitching lesson. The pain occurs immediately following the release of the ball and briefly in the follow through. The pain is on the direct top of the shoulder and at the joint.

At this point, we aren’t sure if the re-injury occurred at that lesson, working on an underhand throw to 1st off of a slow roller or possibly from a fairly rigorous off-season weight lifting program.

The PT advised him to continue to play the infield and throw so long as the pain is tolerable and within reason. He said there was really no danger in further injury and that the therapy will help but isn’t the real solution to this problem. He urged us to push for an MRI with contrast dye to confirm the diagnosis and follow-up with surgery after this season.

Do these symptoms sound like anything any of you or your sons has experienced? Also, do you agree with no pitching for the time being but continue to play the diamond if the pain is not severe? Is there a chance of pitching successfully on a limited pitch count this season (30 or so per weekend) with the therapy?

Sorry for the lengthy post and thanks for any guidance or information.
Original Post
×
×
×
×