SLAP Tears
By Joe de Beer
What is a SLAP Tears of the shoulder?
SLAP is an acronym for Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior, which simply means that the attachment of the long tendon of the biceps is torn away from the upper end of the shoulder socket. SLAP Tears are best diagnosed by an orthopedic specialist.
What are the early signs of a SLAP Tears?
A SLAP Tear onset can feel like a persistent dull ache or sharp pain deep in your shoulder.
You may feel shoulder pain while throwing a ball. You may feel pain in different shoulder positions, such as raising your arm or stretching your arm behind your head. You may feel as if your shoulder might pop out of your shoulder blade. Popping or grinding noise when moving your shoulder.
How long do I stay in hospital after SLAP Tears surgery?
SLAP Tear surgery is done the same day and requires no overnight hospitalization.
What is the recovery time after SLAP Tears surgery?
There is a large amount of variability in the time it takes to fully recover from a SLAP Tear procedure. Usually 4-6 months to feel as though you have completely regained the use of your arm. Some cases may take as long as 9-12 months.
Should I wear a sling after SLAP Tears surgery?
You’ll need to wear an arm sling or arm immobilizer for a week to several weeks after your surgery.
What exercises can I do after SLAP Tears surgery?
Do not attempt to actively move your arm at the shoulder joint for any reason. You may remove your sling several times a day and gently move your hand, wrist and elbow and perform shoulder pendulum exercises. SLAP Tears usually take 6 months for the shoulder to fully recover.
Introduction
S.L.A.P. is an acronym for Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior, which simply means that the attachment of the long tendon of the biceps is torn away from the upper end of the shoulder socket. (Superior Labrum = Biceps attachment, Anterior = front, Posterior = back).
Anatomy
The Biceps is an upper arm muscle that acts across the shoulder and elbow joints. At the elbow, it helps to bend the joint. At the shoulder, its function is more complex and incompletely understood.
The biceps has two tendons around the shoulder: the long tendon passes inside the joint via a groove in the ball and attaches to the upper end of the shoulder socket, and the short tendon passes outside the joint to an adjacent bony outgrowth (coracoid).
The attachment of the Long tendon extends to a ligament/ cartilage like structure (Labrum) which encircles the socket, thereby adding stability to this joint. The entire complex is called a Biceps anchor.
Arrow shows long tendon of Biceps attaching to the shoulder socket.
The hook- like passage of the tendon over the ball predisposes to SLAP tears.
Mechanism of SLAP tear
A sudden injury to the shoulder may peel the biceps anchor off the upper socket. This is usually seen in sportsmen (throwing and rugby athletes), and sometimes in weightlifters. The hook- like passage of the tendon over the ball predisposes to SLAP tears.
Types of SLAP tears
Many different SLAP types have been described ranging from simple separation of the biceps anchor from the socket, to tearing away a flap from the anchor, and even extensions of these tears further to the front or back.
Left: Separation of the anchor from the upper socket.
Right: Tearing away a flap from the anchor.
Diagnosis
Clinical
Usually patients complain of pain around the shoulder that is poorly localized. Painful “popping” or “clicking” can occur.
Radiological
SLAP tears can be visualized on MRI scans, however, the diagnostic accuracy is poor.
Arthroscopic
Arthroscopy accurately identifies the tear. The tear can be classified and treated based on standard recommendations in scientific literature.
MRI shows detachment of the biceps anchor from the socket resulting in a SLAP tear. (arrows).
Arthroscopy reveals the SLAP tear as shown on the MRI.
Surgical repair of the lesion is necessary in sportsmen. Arthroscopy accurately identifies these tears, and three keyholes are used to insert one or two tiny plastic/metal screw-like devices (anchor); the sutures on these are utilized to repair the tear. Some tears may need only shaving away of the torn region, and some may need a biceps tenodesis (see section on biceps).
Postoperatively, overhead activities should be avoided in the first few weeks. Thereafter, range and muscle strengthening exercises are started. Full return to sports is possible within 3 months.
Arthroscopic repair of a SLAP tear is shown.
Sutures attached to tiny screws are used to tie the torn anchor to the socket.
Simplified illustration of a SLAP lesion
If only an acromioplasty is needed, the prominent tip of the acromion is shaved off till an adequate space for the rotator cuff is created. This only takes about 20 minutes, and can be done with local or general anaesthesia. The patient can be discharged from the hospital on the same day.
Left: Normal Biceps Anchor
Right: SLAP II
Left: SLAP
Right: SLAP Repair