Your shoulder socket is surrounded by tissue called labrum. Sometimes this tissue is damaged or torn – and when this happens, it is called a SLAP tear, which is an abbreviation for “superior labrum anterior to posterior.”
There are many different ways you can get a slap tear. For example, you can get a slap tear while lifting heavy things. You may get a slap tear if you fall on your arm or shoulder. Sometimes people experience a slap tear if they brace themselves during a car accident.
A slap tear is also a common shoulder injury for those who participate in activities that require a lot of throwing or repetitive overhead movements. This includes sports like tennis, baseball, volleyball or swimming. Sometimes football players suffer from a slap tear during a tackle or any intense force to the shoulder and arm.
Diagnosing a Slap Tear
If you think you have a slap tear, you should see a qualified medical professional like Louisville orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stacie Grossfeld for a thorough evaluation. When you experience a slap tear, depending on the severity, it is possible that it may be treated without surgical intervention. In this case a combination of rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen or aspirin, and physical therapy to stabilize and strengthen your shoulder muscles, may be recommended.
If you have a more severe slap tear or if your slap tear is not healing with non-surgical treatment, you may need to have surgery. Your doctor will advise you on whether you need orthopedic surgery for a slap tear based on many different factors.
Slap tears are often classified by severity. The least severe type of slap tear is a Slap 1 lesion. This typically involves degenerative tearing on the inner labrum. The most severe type of slap lesion is a Type 4 slap lesion. This tearing extends from the labrum into the tendon in the bicep. Type II slap tears tend to be one of the most common types of SLAP tears for orthopedic surgeons to repair.
Surgery to Repair a Slap Tear
Surgery for a slap tear generally involves arthroscopy to fix the labrum. Arthroscopic surgery is typically done as an outpatient procedure. (more…)
Recent Comments