Kim's Lesion of the Shoulder: A Critical Analysis Review.

JBJS Rev · Sep 01 2025 · Review

Forst OD, Touhey DC, Barksdale Rd EM, Smith MV, Keener JD, Knapik DM

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

Sports Medicine Shoulder & Elbow

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONKim's lesion, an incomplete posteroinferior labral-glenoid tear with intact superficial labrum, is an under-reported cause of posterior shoulder pain and instability in young athletes, confirmed arthroscopically and fixed arthroscopically if nonoperative care fails.
Abstract, as published

» Kim's lesion of the shoulder is characterized by incomplete tearing of the junction between the posteroinferior labrum and the glenoid, with the superficial labral tissue remaining intact, and generally requires arthroscopic evaluation for accurate confirmation.» Kim's lesion represents an under-reported subtype of posterior labral injury and a source of activity-related posterior shoulder discomfort and instability.» Kim's lesions are frequently observed in young, active individuals involved in overhead and contact sports, often resulting from traumatic mechanisms with the shoulder in flexion and adduction, as well as from repetitive microtrauma and overuse.» Patients often present with posterior or posteroinferior instability and discomfort with provocative physical examination maneuvers stressing the posterior labrum, accompanied by pain during activities of daily living and/or sports.» For patients with persistent discomfort and/or instability despite nonoperative management, arthroscopic fixation is generally recommended to restore pain-free mobility and posterior labral stability.

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