SLAP Injuries
Shoulder treatments & surgeries performed by an orthopaedic specialist
What is a SLAP tear
SLAP is an acronym that stands for Superior Labrum (tear) from Anterior to Posterior. This type of tear happens when shoulder cartilage separates from the shoulder bone. SLAP tears cause shoulder pain, looseness, and clicking and often result from overhead sports, repeated lifting duties or falls.
SLAP tears are common among sportspeople who perform a lot of overhead throwing, workers with repetitive lifting duties, or those who have had a bad fall.
Causes and sypmtoms of SLAP injuries
What may cause a SLAP tear?
- Shoulder trauma from vehicle accidents
- Shoulder dislocations from falls or sporting activities
- Falling on your arm
- Forceful pulling of the arm
Symptoms of a SLAP tear
- Shoulder pain, clicking or sticking
- Shoulder and arm numbness
- Lack of shoulder strength
- Reduced shoulder and arm motion capacities
- Pinching feeling when raising arms
Treatment options
Non-surgical treatment
Although symptoms may reduce in severity with time, SLAP tears rarely heal independently. Your GP will likely recommend analgesics treatment and immobilisation of the shoulder and arm via a sling.
Arm movement can be increased via physiotherapy; however, this method cannot correct structural damage.
Surgical treatment
Surgery may be recommended for patients with extensive cartilage damage or those experiencing severe pain after non-surgical treatment.
SLAP tear patients who also have a shoulder dislocation or Bankart (labral) Tear will likely require surgery.
SLAP tear surgery
SLAP tears are repaired through arthroscopic surgery, which targets labrum damage.
This type of surgery is minimally invasive, and Dr Brumby-Rendell may trim the labrum and then place it in its anatomical position, attached to the shoulder bone.
Post-surgery, a sling will immobilise your arm until complete recovery. Dr Brumby-Rendell will advise you regarding your tailored recovery plan.
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