SUPERIOR DETACHMENT OF A GLENOID LABRUM VARIANT RESEMBLING AN INCOMPLETE DISCOID MENISCUS IN A WHEELCHAIR AMBULATOR

Symptoms of instability and painful clunking in the shoulder were foun d associated with superior detachment of an incomplete discoid glenoid labrum and biceps origin in a 25-year-old woman. The patient was para plegic below the T4 level secondary to resection of a spinal cord astr ocytoma at age of 17. Symptoms began after 3 years of wheelchair use a nd repetitive transfer injuries. On arthroscopic examination, only the central surface of the articular glenoid cartilage was visible becaus e of labral coverage. The entire labrum was meniscoid without distingu ishable 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, p osterior and inferior labrum was firmly attached peripherally about th e glenoid. An arthroscopic staple was used to reattach the biceps root and superior labrum to bone. At 6 year follow-up, the functional resu lt was satisfactory.