A GLAD lesion is a tear of the anterior inferior labrum (nondisplaced) with avulsion of the adjacent glenoid cartilage. In the event of a GLAD lesion, the physician will find the anterior inferior labrum is detached with an associated glenoid chondral defect. The lesion results from impaction of the humeral head against the glenoid. This is caused by an abduction and external rotation injury. The patient will complain of persistent shoulder pain, but no instability. An MRI arthrogram is the best study for diagnosing the GLAD lesion. The dye will pass through the chondral and the labral lesion. The associated labral lesion is nondisplaced and stable. A Bankart lesion is an avulsion of the anterior inferior labrum with complete disruption of the scapular periosteum. In the GLAD lesion, the labrum is not detached and there is no capsular stripping. The lesion is stable clinically. The patient will complain of pain, but not instability.
Treatment will be done in the form of a debridement procedure (not stabilization procedure).
