SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Tear) – Have you been experiencing popping, grinding, and shoulder pain while lifting heavy objects over your head? Has your shoulder been locking? If you answered yes to these questions, then you may have a SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Tear).

What is a Slap Tear?

● A SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Tear) is an injury to the labrum of the shoulder.
● The labrum can tear a few different ways: 1) completely off the bone, 2) within or along the edge of the labrum, or 3) where the bicep tendon attaches.
● SLAP tears can be acute or chronic. Chronic SLAP tears occur from the wearing down of the labrum that slowly occurs over time.
● The injury can be mild to severe.

Causes

● Motor vehicle accidents
● A fall onto an outstretched arm
● Forcefully pulling down on an opponent’s arm
● Shoulder dislocation
● Repetitive overhead movement (e.g., weightlifting or painting)

Symptoms

● Shoulder locking
● Popping
● Grinding
● Pain with shoulder movement
● Decreased shoulder strength
● Decreased throwing velocity
● Decreased range of motion.
● Decline in mobility and function

Diagnosis

● If you are having any of the symptoms listed above, please follow-up with your healthcare provider for physical assessment.
● A shoulder X-ray can assess the bone structure.
● MRI/CT with and without contrast can assess possible tissue and ligament damage.

Treatment

● Treatment will depend on the injury’s severity, type, and location.
● Initial treatment (non-surgical) consists of NSAIDS for pain and physical therapy for 3 to 6 months to help restore movement and to strengthen the muscles.
● Surgery may be required if pain has not improved with physical therapy and NSAIDS.
● Please follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon to discuss surgery options.
● The best treatment for a SLAP tear is arthroscopic surgery.

Figure 1: Shoulder Joint of Human Body

References

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. (2019). S:LAP Tears. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/slap-tears/

John Hopkin Medicine. (2019). Shoulder Labrum Tear. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/shoulder-labrum-tear

Udaix. (2019). Shoulder Joint of Human Body Anatomy infographic diagram with all parts including bones ligaments muscles bursa cavity capsule cartilage membrane for medical science education and health care.[Drawing]. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/shoulder-joint-human-body-anatomy-infographic-69
9043855?src=library

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