Posterior detachment of the glenoid labrum in athletes with posttraumatic chronic shoulder pain

We examined 20 consecutively admitted athletes suffering from chronic shoulder pain for more than 6 months following a single shoulder trauma without dislocation. Two of them suffered from a posterior detachment of the glenoid labrum. Both had pain during loading, especially during over-the-head activities, with a clicking sensation. No previous dislocation of the involved dominant arm was recorded. Both were resistant to conservative treatment. On examination both patients had slightly decreased range of motion, a positive posterior apprehension sign and a negative impingement sign/test. One shoulder was clinically unstable. Special X-ray identified one minor avulsion of the posterior margin of the glenoid cavity. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a total posterior glenolabral detachment in both patients and also a bony avulsion of the glenoid posterior margin in one. Arthroscopy identified the posterior labral lesions and reinsertion of the detached labrum using the Mitek-anchor system was performed. After 1 year, both were able to participate in shoulder-demanding sports. In conclusion, posterior labral detachment might cause chronic shoulder pain after a single nondislocating shoulder trauma in athletes.