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SLAP Repair Surgery for Shoulder Labrum Tears

To help you discuss SLAP repair surgery as a treatment option for shoulder injury with your orthopedic surgeon, here’s a breakdown of this surgical procedure.

What Is a SLAP Tear?

Repeated use of the shoulder while throwing or during a fall can result in a SLAP (superior labrum anterior and posterior) tear. This injury may also involve the biceps tendon, which is attached to the top part of the labrum. 

What Is SLAP Repair Surgery?

SLAP repair surgery is a minimally invasive, arthroscopic shoulder procedure for treating a SLAP tear. A SLAP repair involves the reattaching of the labrum to its normal anatomical position, restoring the anatomy of the shoulder. The procedure also allows the normal functioning of the previously damaged labrum and biceps attachment. 

The orthopedic surgeon views the inside of the joint using an arthroscope, a tube with a light and camera on the end that projects images onto a monitor. The surgeon determines which type of SLAP repair to perform depending on the type of tear involved.

SLAP repair surgery is recommended when non-invasive treatment measures such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications) and physical therapy do not relieve the symptoms of a SLAP tear.

How Is SLAP Repair Surgery Performed?

The orthopedic surgeon performs SLAP repair surgery according to the following procedure: 

  • The orthopedic surgeon makes small incisions to insert the arthroscope and thin surgical instruments into the shoulder joint. 
  • The surgeon identifies the type of SLAP tear and removes the damaged tissue of the labrum.
  • The surgeon drills a small hole into the bone of the shoulder socket close to the labral tear. 
  • The surgeon places an anchor into the drilled hole with a strong suture.
  • The surgeon may place additional anchors to secure the torn labrum to the bone of the shoulder socket. 
  • The surgeon ties the torn labrum to the bone using sutures, and closes up the incision. 

What Happens Following SLAP Repair Surgery?

Following SLAP repair surgery, the patient’s arm is placed in a sling for the first three weeks to immobilize the shoulder joint, and the patient is advised to avoid moving the shoulder for about six weeks. 

The patient takes prescribed pain medications as needed, and applies ice packs to control swelling. The patient performs physical therapy to slowly regain motion and strengthen the shoulder, and can resume sports activities after consulting with the physical therapist and surgeon. 

What Are the Risks and Complications of SLAP Repair Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, SLAP repair surgery may involve certain potential risks and complications that include infection, blood clots, shoulder stiffness, or injury to surrounding nerves or soft tissues.

If your shoulder injury has resulted in a SLAP tear, and non-invasive measures aren’t working, see if a SLAP tear repair surgery is right for you.