A labrum tear refers to damage to the labrum, a ring of cartilage that surrounds the shoulder or hip joint. In the shoulder, the labrum helps stabilize the ball-and-socket joint by deepening the socket where the arm bone fits. In the hip, it cushions the joint and maintains its stability. Labrum tears can occur due to injury, overuse, or degeneration, often from activities that involve repetitive motions or trauma (like falls or shoulder dislocations). Symptoms include pain, a catching or locking sensation in the joint, weakness, and reduced range of motion.