SLAP Lesion of the Shoulder

SLAP is an acronym for Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior. A SLAP lesion is a tear of the labrum (articular lip) at the upper glenoid rim and is most commonly caused by a fall. Involvement of the tendons of the biceps muscle is common.
Typically, the patient will feel acute pain deep within the shoulder. Sometimes there is a feeling of instability or apprehension that the shoulder is going to dislocate during certain movements.

There are two basic approaches to treatment of SLAP tears: conservative or surgical. The method selected is determined by the severity of damage.

Conservative Treatment:

If there is minor damage to the glenoid rim and the labrum is frayed but firmly attached to the glenoid bone, a conservative approach can be used. Conservative treatment consists of:

• Muscle strengthening exercises (physiotherapy)
• Medications to reduce pain and inflammation

Surgical Treatment:

Labral repair may be performed either as arthroscopic or open surgery. During surgery, the glenoid labrum and attached biceps tendon are reattached to the bone with sutures or devices called anchors.
After surgery, the patient must wear a special sling for a while to reduce strain on the shoulder so that it can heal properly.

At our practice, patients are examined and informed of the details of treatment in advance. With your input, we will determine which treatment plan is best for you (date and type of surgery, hospitalisation and physiotherapy).
In most cases, you will check into the hospital in Münsingen on the day of surgery. The surgery will be performed during the course of the morning. On the day after surgery, mobilisation exercises will be started with the assistance of a physical therapist, and you can generally leave the hospital in about 3 to 4 days. Physiotherapy should be continued on an outpatient basis in order to re-establish shoulder strength and range of motion. Naturally, you will be requested to return to our practice for follow-up at regular intervals.