SLAP Repair
SLAP Repair
SLAP (Superior Labral Anterior and Posterior) tears are injuries of the glenoid labrum (a rubbery cord-like structure attached around the rim of the glenoid cavity on the shoulder blade). They involve the superior glenoid labrum, where the long head of the biceps tendon inserts. This tear may extend into the tendon, involve the glenohumeral ligaments, or extend into other quadrants of the labrum.
Causes:
An acute SLAP tear occurs most commonly from a forceful injury to the shoulder during throwing and overhead activities (bowling, javelin throwing, badminton, basketball) and also during road traffic accidents. Falling onto an outstretched hand or forcefully pulling on the arm like when trying to stop a moving bike from behind are the other causes of acute tears. People who participate in repetitive overhead sports, such as throwing athletes or weightlifters, are also prone to this kind of injury.
However, many SLAP tears after the age of 40–45 are the result of the gradual wearing down of the labrum. Tearing or fraying the superior labrum can be seen as a normal ageing process. This differs from an acute injury in a younger person.
Symptoms-
Patients with this kind of tear usually don’t have any issues doing their routine daily activities. They face problems in overhead activities like combing hair, throwing, or reaching an object on a high shelf. Some professional athletes also complain of weakness and a decrease in the power of their throws with time.
Treatment –
- Non-operative: Most of the SLAP tears can be managed with anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, and some lifetime modifications, unless and until your SLAP tear extends to other quadrants.
- Operative: SLAP tears can be repaired by arthroscopic means using a miniature camera and suture anchors. If the tear is not too significant, it can be ablated using a radio frequency ablator. Some tears mandate the trimming of your biceps tendon from its origin point at this SLAP region, which helps patients get relief from pain.