Anatomy of the Shoulder
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint where the humeral head (ball) fits into the glenoid (socket) of the shoulder blade (scapula). Surrounding the glenoid is a ring of cartilage called the labrum, which provides stability by deepening the socket and supporting the ligaments and tendons around the joint. A posterior labral tear, commonly known as Batter’s Shoulder, occurs when the labrum at the back (posterior) of the socket is damaged, often due to repetitive stress or trauma.
Causes for Posterior Labral Tear (Batter’s Shoulder)
A posterior labral tear is often caused by repetitive posterior stress, such as during the follow-through phase of a baseball swing, weightlifting, or contact sports. It may also result from a posterior shoulder dislocation or excessive force applied to the back of the joint. This condition is common in baseball players, weightlifters, and football linemen.
Symptoms of Posterior Labral Tear
A posterior labral tear may cause symptoms such as:
- Deep, aching shoulder pain
- Feeling of instability or looseness in the shoulder
- Clicking, locking, or catching sensation
- Pain with pushing motions (e.g., bench press) or swinging movements
- Weakness and limited range of motion
Treatments for Posterior Labral Tear
Initial treatment may include:
- Rest and activity modification to avoid aggravating movements
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
- Physical therapy to strengthen the rotator cuff and stabilize the shoulder
If symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, arthroscopic posterior labral repair may be necessary. This minimally invasive procedure involves reattaching the torn labrum using sutures or anchors to restore stability and function.
Postoperative Care for Posterior Labral Tear
Following surgery, a shoulder sling is typically worn for 3-4 weeks to protect the repair. Once the sling is removed, gradual rehabilitation exercises are introduced to restore range of motion and strength. Full recovery can take several months, with a focus on progressive strengthening and avoiding overhead stress to prevent reinjury.
