SLAP Repair

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body and as such, is dependent on strong muscles, ligaments, and a rim of cartilage on the shoulder’s socket called the ‘labrum’ in order to stabilise it during movement. The labrum is a rubber-like tissue which cups the ball-shaped joint at the top of your upper arm bone, connecting the two joints in order to hold it in place. The rotator cuff which consists of four muscles helps the labrum keep the ball in the socket. This in turn allows your upper arm to rotate.

What is a SLAP Tear?

SLAP stands for ‘superior labrum anterior and posterior’. There are many different labrum tears, but a SLAP tear is a common shoulder injury which occurs in the top (superior) area of the labrum, where the biceps tendon is attached. The tear happens in the front (anterior) and back (posterior) of the attachment, often causing pain.

What Causes a SLAP Tear?

SLAP tears are common in those who participate in sporting and non-sporting activities which involve repetitive overhead arm motion. This kind of labrum tear is often seen in sports people such as tennis players, weight lifters and baseball players. They can also occur through injury, such as a sudden fall where the shoulder is extended to break the fall, dislocation of the shoulder and general wear and tear. If you are 40 or over, a SLAP tear is a common issue.

SLAP Tear Symptoms

Symptoms from a SLAP tear can vary depending on its severity, but typically include:

• An unstable feeling in the shoulder
• Decreased range of motion
• A popping, locking, grinding or catching feeling
• Loss of strength in the shoulder
• Pain at night or while doing daily activities

Pain from a SLAP tear is usually intermittent, but is generally worse when you carry out a task, especially an overhead activity.

Diagnosing a SLAP Tear

Your doctor will ask you a number of questions about your symptoms, where it hurts and if there has been a specific injury or event which has resulted in the pain you are currently experiencing. Try to provide as much information as possible to assist with the diagnosis. Your doctor will carry out a physical examination of the shoulder to determine its stability, strength, range of motion and pain level.

If inflammation or a pinched nerve is ruled out, you are likely to be referred for an X-ray and MRI scan. Although an X-ray cannot pick up a labrum tear because it consists of soft tissue, it can highlight a possible fracture which could be the cause of your pain. An MRI scan is often performed to diagnose a SLAP tear, along with other possible injuries to the tendons, ligaments, muscles and cartilage in the shoulder.

Treatment for a SLAP Tear

There are two approaches for the treatment of a SLAP tear. These consist of non-surgical (conservative) and surgical treatment.  Surgery is very rarely the first option as doctors will usually commence treatment with non-surgical techniques. These can include the following:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
  Over the counter or prescribed medication may be taken to decrease pain and swelling in the shoulder. Cortisone injections can also help with pain relief.

• Physiotherapy
  You may be assigned certain exercises by a physiotherapist to help strengthen the shoulder muscles – especially the rotator cuff, and improve range of motion through stretching. You may also be given manual therapy or massages during your visits. Your physiotherapist will show you what positions and activities to avoid, as well as gentle stretches and exercises which can be performed at home.

Physical therapy usually lasts between 3 – 6 months, depending on the severity of the tear.

If medication and exercise does not help, then surgery may be your next step.

SLAP tear repairs are usually treated with minimally invasive arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery. The surgeon places a small camera in your shoulder joint which sends images to a bigger screen in the operating theatre. By using small tools, the surgeon can remove and repair the damaged part of the labrum. This can include cutting off any flaps of damaged cartilage which are preventing full range of motion.

Post-Operative Recovery

After surgery, you will be expected to wear a sling for the first 4 weeks in order to keep your shoulder immobilised. Once the swelling has gone down, you can then begin to move it again with guidance from your physiotherapist.

You will be given a programme of physical therapy which will start with range of motion exercises, and gradually progress to stretching and strengthening.

Labrum surgery typically takes 6 – 9 months to completely heal, depending on the severity of the tear. Most patients regain full use of their shoulder and are able to return to their normal level of physical activity.

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist Orthopaedic surgeon for an initial consultation, usually within 48 hours. 

SLAP tear repair surgery is available at One Ashford Hospital in Kent and One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire. 

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your SLAP Repair treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages as well as the ability to spread the cost of your treatment over a number of months. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at either the One Ashford Hospital or One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Healthcare

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in March 2016 (Ashford) December 2017 (Hatfield)
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

Contact us and find out more

If you live in and around the Kent area and would like to visit our One Ashford Hospital please click here

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.