Superior detachment of a glenoid labrum variant resembling an incomplete discoid meniscus in a wheelchair ambulator.

Abstract

Symptoms of instability and painful clunking in the shoulder were found associated with superior detachment of an incomplete discoid glenoid labrum and biceps origin in a 25-year-old woman. The patient was paraplegic below the T4 level secondary to resection of a spinal cord astrocytoma at age of 17. Symptoms began after 3 years of wheelchair use and repetitive transfer injuries. On arthroscopic examination, only the central surface of the articular glenoid cartilage was visible because of labral coverage. The entire labrum was meniscoid without distinguishable variation. The superior labrum was in continuity with the root of the biceps tendon; however, the superior biceps-labral complex was completely stripped away from the underlying glenoid. The anterior, posterior and inferior labrum was firmly attached peripherally about the glenoid. An arthroscopic staple was used to reattach the biceps root and superior labrum to bone. At 6 year follow-up, the functional result was satisfactory.