This should scare the crap out of Dolphin fans.
"Two separate injuries occur to the shoulder area – a torn labrum and a torn rotator cuff. Tears in the labrum are much more serious than rotator cuff tears, due to the nature of the anatomical parts themselves. "
"When the muscles tear in the rotator cuff, typically in the supraspinatus, the area needs to be surgically repaired. The same is true in the case of a torn labrum, but two crucial factors make the labrum injury a career-threatening endeavor, while those who have undergone rotator cuff surgery have a much greater track record of recovery and post-operative success. "
"Why is the rotator cuff much more likely to heal properly than the labrum?
Muscles can be strengthened, even beyond their original levels, both surgically and naturally with proper rehabilitation and rest. The labrum is not made up of muscles, and the collagens that make up the labrum are unable to be strengthened, surgically, nor naturally. The only hope is that the natural healing process is effective enough and fast enough for the pitcher to return to action within two or three calendar years. The surgery cleans the labrum and reattaches the torn areas to their opposing connection. "
"The labrum provides the shoulder with shock absorption and is an important part of its overall connective structure. When it tears, the strength in the shoulder is reduced greatly, "
http://mariners.scout.com/2/422181.html
