Shoulder Labral (SLAP) Tear (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior)

 

The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint in which the head (ball) of the humerus bone lies in a cupped “socket” formed by the shoulder blade and collarbone, called the glenoid. This joint allows the arm to move smoothly in a large number of directions. To help hold the arm in its socket, there is a soft rim of cartilage lining the socket called the labrum. A SLAP tear is an injury to the labrum. Specifically, it is a detachment or tear of the superior aspect (upper portion) of the cartilage rim, occurring in both the front (anterior) and back (posterior) sides of this attachment point. Acute injuries, such as a vehicle accident, a fall, pulling the arm, or forceful arm movements, as well as repetitive shoulder motion and the normal wear and tear associated with aging can result in SLAP tears.

Symptoms

Symptoms of SLAP tears include:

  • Decreased shoulder strength or range of motion
  • Unusual sensations when moving the arm, including popping, locking, grinding, or feeling that the shoulder is going to pop out of the joint
  • Pain when moving the shoulder or lifting something

Nonsurgical Treatment

In some cases, SLAP tears can be fixed using nonsurgical methods, such as anti-inflammatories and physical therapy exercises. Physical therapy can take up to six months. Your doctor can refer you to a qualified physical therapist.

Surgical Treatment

If nonsurgical treatments do not improve your pain and mobility, then surgery may be the only option to get you back to the things you love in life.

Minimally Invasive or Arthroscopic

Most often the surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera (arthroscope) inserted through a 1 cm incision. The surgeon then uses the images from the camera to maneuver miniature surgical instruments. Depending on the injury, the surgeon may remove the torn cartilage or reattach it with stiches. This procedure is the least invasive way to repair this condition. The small incision is less traumatic to the muscle, reducing bleeding and scarring and leading to a quicker recovery time. This procedure can be done on an outpatient basis in a surgery center. There are many advantages to surgery centers including better outcomes, lower infection rates, no overnight stay, lower costs, and the convenience that comes with a highly skilled staff.

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

As the labrum heals, you will need to stabilize the shoulder with a sling for two to four weeks after surgery. Once the healing progresses, you will undergo physical therapy to get your mobility back. Gradually these exercises will help your range of motion and stiffness. Exercises to strengthen the shoulder will be added four to six weeks after surgery. Typically, a patient regains the ability to participate in normal activities three to four months after surgery.

As with all of our procedures and treatments, the goal is to get you back to full strength and doing the activities you want to do. Here at YourOrthoSolution, we have some of the top orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians in the country. We are dedicated to getting you back to the things you love through a customized plan that fits only you. Our caring team always goes that extra step to make you feel a part of our family. We specialize in treating injuries, including shoulder labral tears, and want to help you start the healing process as quickly as possible to get you on the path to recovery.

At YourOrthoSolution, all of our doctors and staff are dedicated to ensuring that you not only receive the best orthopedic care in the area but also have an exceptional experience each time you visit our locations. Our dedicated staff will handle all insurance processes for you. You can expect to be in a friendly atmosphere and receive top orthopedic treatment to help you return to full mobility as quickly as possible.

 

Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder Surgery
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