SLAP lesions: current controversies

Filippo Familiari, Gazi Huri, Roberto Simonetta, Edward G McFarland, Filippo Familiari, Gazi Huri, Roberto Simonetta, Edward G McFarland

Abstract

Knowledge of the pertinent anatomy, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and treatment of the spectrum of injuries involving the superior glenoid labrum and biceps origin is required in treating the patient with a superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) tear.Despite the plethora of literature regarding SLAP lesions, their clinical diagnosis remains challenging for a number of reasons.First, the diagnostic value of many of the available physical examination tests is inconsistent and ambiguous.Second, SLAP lesions most commonly occur concomitantly with other shoulder injuries.Third, SLAP lesions have no specific associated pain pattern.Outcomes following surgical treatment of SLAP tears vary depending on the method of treatment, associated pathology and patient characteristics.Biceps tenodesis has been receiving increasing attention as a possible treatment for SLAP tears. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:25-32. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180033.

Keywords: SLAP; aetiology; controversies; examination; repair; tenodesis; treatment.

Conflict of interest statement

ICMJE Conflict of interest statement: None declared.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a) Type-I SLAP tear: superior labral fraying with localized degeneration. b) Type-II SLAP tear: detachment of the superior labrum/biceps anchor from the glenoid. c) Type-III SLAP tear: bucket-handle type tear of the superior labrum with an intact biceps anchor. d) Type-IV SLAP tear: bucket-handle tear of the superior labrum with extension of the labral tear into the biceps tendon. © JHU 2018/AAM
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a) Type-V SLAP tear: SLAP tear combined with a Bankart lesion. b) Type-VI SLAP tear: SLAP tear combined with an unstable flap tear of the labrum. c) Type-VII SLAP tear: SLAP tear with continuation to the middle glenohumeral ligament origin. © JHU 2018/AAM

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Source: PubMed

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