SLAP Lesion / Shoulder Injury

The most common mechanism of injury is repetitive overload (e.g. swimmers and throwing sports) or excessive inferior traction (e.g. carrying or dropping and catching a heavy object).

 

 Symptoms of a SLAP Lesion

A typical symptom of a SLAP lesion includes a catching sensation and pain with shoulder movements, most often overhead activities such as throwing. Patients usually complain of pain deep withinthe shoulder or in the back of the shoulder joint. It is often hard to pinpoint symptoms, unless the biceps tendon is also involved.

There a four (4) types of SLAP lesions. Conservative management for all, but the most minor SLAP lesions are usually unsuccessful.

Unstable (shoulder feels as though it will give way) SLAP lesions (types 2 and 4) should be repaired arthroscopically by reattaching the labrum to the glenoid. Stable SLAP lesions (types 1 and 3) usually respond to arthroscopic debridement to eliminate mechanical irritation is usually adequate.

Labral lesions are often associated with a shoulder that feels unstable; this will be addressed with a graded strengthening program for the shoulder and scapula stabilisers. This should be designed and supervised by your Physiotherapist. In some cases repair is not possible and a small portion of the meniscus may be trimmed or cut out to even-up the surface.