[

CLINICAL COMMENTARY

CHRISTOPHER C. DODSON, MD:7L?:M$7BJ9>;A"MD

SLAP Lesions: An Update on

Recognition and Treatment
uperior labral lesions are a common occurrence in the
athletic population, especially overhead athletes. The rst
description of labral tears involving the superior aspect of
the glenoid was described by Andrews et al,1 who reported
on 73 overhead throwing athletes who had labral tears specically
located in the anterosuperior quadrant of the glenoid, near the origin
of the long head of the biceps tendon.1 Snyder29 would later coin
the term SLAP lesion (superior labrum, anterior and posterior) to

describe a similar injury pattern, located

at the biceps anchor and extending anterior to posterior. Although both authors
reported on similar lesions, the etiology
remained unclear. Andrews et al2 proposed that the biceps tendon acted to
pull off the labrum, whereas the most
common mechanism of injury in the
Snyder29 report was compression loading, with the shoulder in a exed and abT SYNOPSIS: Superior labral tears (SLAP lesions)
can pose a signicant challenge to orthopaedic
surgeons and rehabilitation specialists alike.
Although advancement in arthroscopic techniques
has enhanced arthroscopic repair of SLAP lesions,
the clinical diagnosis of SLAP lesions can still
be difficult. There is a variety of etiologic factors
associated with SLAP lesions and a thorough
clinical evaluation is crucial to make the diagnosis.
Concomitant injury to the capsular-labral complex
or rotator cuff is not uncommon and can further
confuse the clinical presentation. The purpose
of this paper is to review the pathomechanics,
diagnosis, and treatment of SLAP lesions. We will

ducted position.
The advancement of arthroscopic
techniques has led to a tremendous increase in our understanding of SLAP
lesions. However, making the diagnosis
clinically can still be a challenge. A comprehensive approach involving a thorough history and physical examination,
adequate imaging, and ultimately diagnostic arthroscopy is often necessary to
specically review some of the physical examination tests that are used to diagnose SLAP lesions
and report on our technique of arthroscopic repair.
Additionally, we will discuss the operative management of associated intra-articular pathology and,
nally, we will briey discuss our postoperative
rehabilitation guidelines.

TB;L;BE<;L?:;D9;0 Level 5. J Orthop

Sports Phys Ther 2009; 39(2):71-80.doi:10.2519/
jospt.2009.2850

TA;OMEH:I0 instability, rotator cuff tears,

shoulder

recognize and appropriately treat SLAP

lesions. Untreated, SLAP lesions can be
a potentially devastating injury that can
lead to chronic pain, as well as a signicant loss of function and performance.
The purpose of this article is to review
the classication, pathomechanics, clinical evaluation, and treatment of SLAP
lesions. The recommendations regarding
diagnosis and treatment presented in this
article are based on clinical experience.

F7J>EC;9>7D?9I

7

comprehensive discussion of
the pathomechanics of SLAP lesions is beyond the scope of this
article. However, we do feel that a basic
review of some of the proposed mechanisms of SLAP lesions can be helpful in
understanding their surgical treatment
and rehabilitation.
It is not uncommon to encounter associated pathology when treating a SLAP
lesion. Most notably, patients who have
SLAP tears can also have concomitant
rotator cuff tears and other labral pathology. Andrews et al1 reported that 45% of
patients (and 73% of baseball pitchers)
with SLAP lesions also had partial-thickness tears of the supraspinatus portion
of the rotator cuff. Mileski and Snyder19
reported that 29% of their patients with
SLAP lesions exhibited partial-thickness

1
Fellow Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY. 2 Co-Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for
Special Surgery, New York, NY. Address correspondence to Dr David W. Altchek, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th St, New York,
NY 10021. Email: altchekd@hss.edu

journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy | volume 39 | number 2 | february 2009 | 71

CLINICAL COMMENTARY

rotator cuff tears, 11% complete rotator

cuff tears, and 22% Bankart lesions of the
anterior glenoid. They also demonstrated that type I SLAP lesions are typically
associated with rotator cuff pathology,
while types III and IV are associated with
traumatic instability. Finally, they noticed
that in patients with type II lesions, older
patients tended to have associated rotator cuff pathology, while younger patients
had associated anterior instability.
Our recognition of these associated lesions may allow for insight with regard
to the biomechanical etiology of SLAP
lesions. There are several proposed
mechanisms, although it is still unclear
what exactly causes SLAP lesions. These
mechanisms can be divided into acute
traumatic events or chronic repetitive
injuries that lead to failure. An example
of an acute traumatic event would be falling onto an outstretched arm, which may
result in a SLAP lesion, secondary to impaction of the humeral head against the
superior labrum and the biceps anchor.
Repetitive overhead activity has been
hypothesized as a common mechanism
for producing SLAP lesions. Andrews et
al1 rst theorized that SLAP lesions in
overhead throwing athletes was the result of the high eccentric activity of the
biceps muscle, creating tension on the
long head of the biceps tendon, during
the arm deceleration and follow-through
phases of throwing. The authors subsequently applied electrical stimulation to
the bicep during arthroscopy and noted
that contraction of the biceps caused the
biceps anchor to effectively separate from
the glenoid.2
Burkhart and Morgan4 have hypothesized that a peel-back mechanism
may produce a SLAP lesion in the overhead athlete. They believe that when the
shoulder is placed in a position of abduction and maximal external rotation, the
rotation causes a torsional force at the
base of the biceps. In a cadaveric study,
Pradham et al25 measured superior labral
strain during each phase of the throwing
motion. They reported increased superior
labral strain during the late cocking phase

of throwing, which supports the concept

of the peel-back mechanism. Additional
authors12,31 have also demonstrated that
there is contact between the posterior-superior labrum and the rotator cuff when
the arm is in an abducted and externally
rotated position, which simulates the late
cocking phase of throwing.
Shepard et al27 simulated each of the
aforementioned mechanisms in 9 pairs
of cadaveric shoulders that were loaded
to biceps anchor failure in either a position of in-line loading (similar to the
deceleration phase of throwing) or in a
simulated peel-back mechanism (similar
to the late cocking phase of throwing).
Their results showed that all of the simulated peel-back group failures resulted in
a type II SLAP lesion, whereas the majority of the simulated in-line-loading group
failures occurred in the midsubstance of
the biceps tendon. Additionally, the biceps anchor demonstrated a signicantly
higher strength with in-line loading as
opposed to the ultimate strength during
the peel-back mechanism. These results support the theory of peel-back as
the predominant mechanism; but, most
likely, a combination of mechanisms result in SLAP lesions.
Finally, several authors have reported an association between SLAP lesions
and glenohumeral instability. Pagnani et
al24 found that a complete lesion of the
superior portion of the labrum was associated with signicant increases in glenohumeral translation. They also found
that the presence of a simulated SLAP
lesion resulted in a 6-mm increase in
anterior glenohumeral translation. Kim
et al14 reported that maximal biceps activity occurred when the shoulder was
in the abducted and externally rotated
position in patients with anterior instability. The exact cause-and-effect relationship of instability and SLAP lesions
is still unclear. It may be that instability
allows for a pathologic range of motion
that facilitates the peel-back mechanism
or, possibly, that SLAP lesions allow for
excessive glenohumeral translation,
which leads to instability.

<?=KH;'$Illustration of SLAP lesion types, as

described by Snyder et al.22 Type I represents a
frayed or degenerative labrum with attachment of the
labrum to the glenoid. Type II represents detachment
of the superior labrum and biceps from the glenoid
rim. Type III represents a bucket-handle tear of the
labrum with an intact biceps anchor. Finally, type IV
represents a bucket handle tear of the labrum that
extends into the biceps tendon.

9B7II?<?97J?ED

he most common classication

system for SLAP lesions was described by Snyder et al,29 following
a retrospective review of 700 shoulder arthroscopies. They identied 4 types of superior labral lesions involving the biceps
anchor (<?=KH; '). Type I SLAP lesions
have fraying of the edge of the superior
labrum. Type II SLAP lesions, the most
common, consist of frank detachment of
the biceps anchor from the glenoid. Type
III lesions consist of a bucket-handle tear
of the superior labrum with, an otherwise
normal biceps anchor. Finally, type IV
lesions, the least common, consist of a
bucket-handle tear of the superior labrum
that extends into the biceps tendon, causing detachment of the biceps anchor.
Over time, many surgeons have
encountered numerous combined or
complex SLAP lesions that cannot be
classied by Snyder et als29 original classication system. Maffet et al17 expanded
the original classication to include type
V lesions, anteroinferior Bankart-type
labral lesions in continuity with SLAP
lesions, type VI lesions, consisting of biceps tendon separation with an unstable

72 | february 2009 | volume 39 | number 2 | journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy

ap tear of the labrum, and type VII lesions, consisting of an extension of the
superior-labrum biceps tendon separation to beneath the middle glenohumeral
ligament. Morgan et al20 has subclassied
type II slap lesions into (1) anterior, (2)
posterior, and (3) combined anterior and
posterior lesions. They hypothesize that
SLAP lesions cause anterior or posterior
microinstability, which can ultimately
lead to pseudolaxity and partial-thickness, articular-sided rotator cuff tears
that are lesion specic.20 In other words,
posterior SLAP lesions cause posterior
cuff tears, and anterior SLAP lesions
cause anterior cuff tears.

9B?D?97B;L7BK7J?ED

he clinical evaluation of any

patient with shoulder pain should
include a subjective history, a thorough physical examination, plain radiographs, and, when indicated, advanced
imaging, which is usually magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The goal is to make
an accurate diagnosis, so that an appropriate treatment plan can be initiated.

History
A comprehensive history is essential and
should try to precisely dene the mechanism of injury. Patients usually complain
of vague shoulder pain, often with clicking, popping, or snapping that is usually
exacerbated with overhead activity. Patients may also complain of instability if
the lesion extends to the anterior labrum/
capsule. When a concomitant rotator cuff
tear is present, patients may complain of
shoulder weakness. It has been our experience that patients typically complain of
pain and dysfunction, or limited function when the labrum is involved, and do
not experience pain at rest or at night,
which is more common with rotator cuff
injuries.
The most commonly cited mechanisms of injury include traction and
compression of the shoulder; although,
in many instances, no antecedent trauma is remembered. Overhead athletes

may complain of pain during a specic

phase of throwing, most notably the late
cocking phase. We have found that the
most likely complaint in the thrower is
the inability to perform at their optimal level, which should raise suspicion
about an internal derangement in the
shoulder.

Physical Examination
The physical exam begins with gross inspection of the involved extremity. Atrophy of the rotator cuff can be attributed to
possible compression of the suprascapular nerve by a ganglion cyst and warrants
evaluation with an MRI and possible
electrodiagnostic testing (EMG). The
cervical spine is then examined for range
of motion and any evidence of nerve root
compression.
The affected shoulder is then assessed
and compared to the unaffected side. Bilateral passive and active range of motion
is noted, with attention paid to any motion that elicits pain. Many patients with
SLAP lesions will note pain with passive
external rotation at 90 of shoulder abduction. Overhead athletes may exhibit
excessive external rotation with posterior
capsule tightness and resulting internal
rotation decits. Motor strength is then
tested and the extremity is examined for
gross neurovascular decits. The presence of rotator cuff pathology or instability is then evaluated before proceeding
towards specic diagnostic maneuvers
for SLAP lesions.
Numerous tests have been described to
be specically designed to determine the
presence of labral pathology, including
the active-compression test, the compression-rotation or grind test, Speeds test,
the clunk test, the crank test, the anteriorslide test, the biceps load test, the biceps
load test II, and the pain provocation test.
Although many of these tests have been
shown to accurately diagnose SLAP lesions, their reproducibility among multiple examiners is uncertain.9 Therefore,
it is important to correlate the patients
symptoms with the physical examination
ndings to make the diagnosis. It is not

<?=KH;($OBriens test (active-compression

test). The patients shoulder is positioned at 90 of
elevation, approximately 20 of adduction, and full
internal rotation. Resistance against elevation is
applied by the examiner. A test is positive for labral
involvement when pain is elicited with the forearm in
pronation and relieved when the forearm is supinated.

necessary to perform all these maneuvers on every patient; therefore, we will

describe some of the more common tests
that we typically use, as well as some of
the more recently reported ones.
The active-compression test, as described by OBrien,23 has been shown to
be helpful in diagnosing SLAP lesions.
The shoulder is positioned in 90 of
forward elevation and 20 of horizontal
adduction. The examiner then places a
downward force on the forearm, while
the forearm is pronated and then supinated (<?=KH; (). A test is positive for a
labral involvement when pain is elicited
with the forearm in the pronated position
and relieved when the forearm is supinated. The authors also point out that a
test is considered negative when the pain
is localized to the acromioclavicular (AC)
joint. OBrien et al23 reported this maneuver to be 100% sensitive and 95% specic
in diagnosing labral pathology. However,
other authors have reported less success
using this test.30 We typically perform this
maneuver when assessing for labral pathology and nd pain inside the shoulder
when testing with the forearm pronated
and pain relieved with supination to be
most indicative of a SLAP lesion. Pain in
the posterior aspect of the shoulder or located to the AC joint is not specic for the
presence of a SLAP lesion.
The compression rotation test is performed with the patient in the supine po-

journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy | volume 39 | number 2 | february 2009 | 73

CLINICAL COMMENTARY

ability of multiple provocative tests to

predict the presence of labral pathology.18,30 Although many of the tests did
provide some clinical accuracy, none
was perfect. It is possible that each test
may have varying specicity and sensitivity, depending on the type of slap lesion
present. Clearly, further investigation
regarding the accuracy of clinical tests is
warranted.
<?=KH;)$Compression rotation test. The examiner
imparts a compressive force from the elbow through
the long axis of the humerus as the shoulder is rotated
in an attempt to grind the labrum and elicit pain.

<?=KH;+$A relatively new test for SLAP lesions:

pronated load test. The patients shoulder is abducted
to approximately 90, and the examiner passively
externally rotates the shoulder with the forearm in
pronation. At the point of maximal external rotation,
the examiner instructs the patient to perform an
isometric biceps contraction in an attempt to peel
back the labrum.

<?=KH;*$The resisted-supination externalrotation test. The patients shoulder is abducted to

approximately 90, elbow exed, and forearm in
neutral. The examiner then simultaneously resists
forearm supination, while externally rotating the
shoulder in an attempt to peel back the labrum.

sition.29 The glenohumeral joint is then

compressed and the humerus is rotated
in an attempt to trap the labrum within the joint (<?=KH; )). The presence of
an uncomfortable clunk may indicate a
labral tear. The arm can be abducted with
an anterior-directed force or adducted
with a posterior-directed force to assess
for anterior and posterior labral lesions,
respectively.
Myers et al21 recently described a test
termed the resisted-supination externalrotation test. The test is performed in the
supine position, with the shoulder in 90
of abduction, the elbow in 70 of exion,
and neutral forearm rotation. The shoulder is then passively externally rotated,
while the examiner resists against supination (<?=KH;*). Myers et al21 noted that
this test simulates the peel-back mechanism of SLAP lesions. A preliminary study
of 40 patients demonstrated a superior

<?=KH;,$Coronal view of a noncontrast magnetic

resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrating a type II
SLAP lesion (white arrow).

sensitivity (82.8%), specicity (81.8%),

positive predictive value (92.3%), negative predictive value (64.3%), and diagnostic accuracy (82.5%), when compared
to other provocative maneuvers.
Wilk et al32 have described a similar
test that they have termed the pronated
load test. With the patient in supine,
the shoulder is abducted to 90 and
externally rotated. The forearm is kept
in a fully pronated position to increase
tension on the biceps tendon, and the
patient is instructed to perform an isometric biceps contraction to simulate
the peel-back mechanism ( <?=KH; +).
The authors have found this maneuver
to cause pain and discomfort in patients
with SLAP lesions.
Several authors have evaluated the

Imaging Studies
Imaging evaluation begins with standard
radiographs of the shoulder (AP, axillary,
scapular-Y, and Stryker notch views). Radiographs are typically normal in cases
of isolated SLAP lesions but may reveal
bony abnormalities in cases of associated
pathology (eg, Hill-Sachs lesion).
MRI is the gold standard imaging modality for diagnosing SLAP lesions. However, the reliability of MRI to diagnose
SLAP lesions has been disputed. Several
authors have found difficulty diagnosing
labral lesions with standard MR techniques.10,16 Therefore, they recommend
magnetic resonance arthrogram with an
intra-articular injection of gadolinium.
Bencardino et al3 demonstrated a sensitivity of 89%, a specicity of 91%, and an
accuracy of 90% in detecting labral lesions using this technique.
At our institution, noncontrast MRI
has become the standard advancedimaging modality for diagnosing labral
injuries to the shoulder. The SLAP lesions can typically be appreciated on a
coronal sequence as a cleft between the
superior labrum and the glenoid (<?=KH;
6). Although previous studies have reported that noncontrast MRI is limited
in the evaluation of the superior glenoid
labrum, our experience has been that
high-resolution noncontrast MRI can accurately diagnose superior labral lesions
and aid in surgical management.8 In cases
of suspected concomitant rotator cuff involvement, we do use MRI arthrography,
with the arm in abduction and external
rotation (ABER), to enhance the visualization of the articular surface of the rotator cuff, the superior glenoid labrum,

74 | february 2009 | volume 39 | number 2 | journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy

<?=KH;-$Magnetic resonance arthrography

in abduction and external rotation (ABER),
demonstrating an articular partial thickness
rotator cuff tear (white arrow). We prefer this view
in suspected cases of associated cuff pathology
because it allows for better visualization of the
articular surface, labrum, and is helpful in detecting
intratendinous lesions.

and the anterior inferior capsule-labrum

complex. We have found this technique
to be particularly helpful in detecting articular-sided partial thickness tears with
intratendinous extension (<?=KH; -). We
believe this is important because without
preoperative identication of the extent
of the delamination, the surgeon might
have a difficult time making that determination in the operating room.

DEDEF;H7J?L;
C7D7=;C;DJ

onservative management of
SLAP lesions is often unsuccessful,
particularly when there is a component of glenohumeral joint instability or
when a concomitant rotator cuff tear is
present. There may be, however, a small
subset of patients, particularly those with
type I SLAP lesions, who are amenable to
conservative treatment. The initial phase
of conservative management consists of
cessation of throwing activities, followed
by a short course of anti-inammatory
medication to reduce pain and inammation. Once the pain has subsided, we initiate physical therapy focused on restoring
normal shoulder motion. Strengthening
of the shoulder girdle musculature is also
crucial to restore normal scapulothoracic

<?=KH;.$Arthroscopic view of a right shoulder,

demonstrating a type II SLAP lesion. A probe has
entered the joint via the standard anterior interval
portal and is used to conrm the diagnosis.

sive throwing program after 3 months

that is directed toward the patients specic sport and position. We have no published data regarding the success rate of
nonoperative management; but as previously stated, it has been our experience
that the majority of patients with symptomatic SLAP lesions will fail conservative management, particularly throwers.
The goal of a nonoperative program is to
reduce pain, improve motion, and restore
strength in patients who do not wish to
proceed to operative management.

IKH=?97BC7D7=;C;DJ

<?=KH;/$Once the SLAP lesion has been conrmed,

a second anterior lateral portal (blue cannula) is
created, which will be the working portal for repairing
the SLAP lesion. Establishing the proper position of
this portal is crucial because the angle at which the
suture anchor is inserted is completely dependent
upon the location of the portal. We avoid penetrating
the rotator cuff in creating this portal, especially in
throwing athletes.

motion. An excessive loss of glenohumeral internal rotation (GIRD) is common

in overhead athletes and a particular
emphasis should be placed on stretching
the posterior capsule and restoring internal rotation, which may prevent pathologic contact between the supraspinatus
tendon and the posterosuperior labrum.
Although it is unclear if GIRD is a risk
factor for SLAP lesions, restoring shoulder internal rotation may improve pathomechanics that could possibly reduce
some of the patients symptoms. The patient is eventually advanced to a strengthening phase, which includes trunk, core,
rotator cuff, and scapular musculature. In
throwing athletes, we initiate a progres-

ur indications for surgery

are patients who fail conservative
management, patients who have a
SLAP lesion with signicant rotator cuff
tears (50%), and patients with large associated labral tears who exhibit severe
mechanical symptoms. Generally speaking, we debride types I and III SLAP
lesions and repair types II and IV. The
following is a description of our SLAP
repair technique.
We perform shoulder arthroscopy
with the patient in the beach chair position. The patient is anesthetized under
intrascalene block with sedation. After a
complete clinical examination under anesthesia is performed, a 30 arthroscope
(Smith & Nephew Dyonics, Andover, MA)
is introduced into the glenohumeral joint
via the posterior soft-spot portal. Then, a
standard anterior portal is established in
the rotator cuff interval and a complete
diagnostic arthroscopy is performed. A
probe is used to conrm a SLAP lesion
and the extent of any other concomitant
pathology is assessed (<?=KH;.). In cases
of an isolated repairable SLAP lesion, a
second anterosuperior lateral portal is
established in the rotator cuff interval
(<?=KH;/). We caution against the use of
a transrotator cuff approach, especially in
throwing athletes. Any unstable aps of
labrum are debrided to a stable rim, and
an arthroscopic shaver or burr is used to
create a bony bed at the superior rim of
the glenoid via the anterosuperior lateral

journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy | volume 39 | number 2 | february 2009 | 75

<?=KH;'&$An arthroscopic shaver is used to prepare

the bed of the SLAP lesion (A) and then an 18-gauge
spinal needle is passed percutaneously through
the superior labrum via the region of the portal of
Neviaser (B).

<?=KH;''$A polydioxanone (PDS) suture is then

manually advanced through the spinal needle (A)
and retrieved via the standard anterior interval
portal (B).

CLINICAL COMMENTARY

<?=KH;'($A hole is drilled into the bed of the SLAP

lesion via the anterior lateral portal (A) and a suture
anchor is then inserted (B).

portal (<?=KH; '&7). After the bed of the

SLAP lesion has been satisfactorily prepared, an 18-gauge spinal needle is passed
via a transdermal puncture in the region
of the portal of Neviaser into arthroscopic view above the superior labrum. Accurate suture placement is ensured by
direct arthroscopic visualization of the
spinal needle as it is passed through the
superior labrum from superior to inferior
(<?=KH; '&8). A number 1 polydioxanone
(PDS) suture (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ)
is manually advanced through the spinal
needle into arthroscopic view (<?=KH;''7).
An arthroscopic retriever is then used to
retrieve the free end of the suture and
bring it out via the standard anterior portal (<?=KH;''8).
A suture anchor (Bio-Suture Tak, Arthrex, Naples, FL) is then inserted via the
anterosuperior portal into the superior
neck of the glenoid off the face (<?=KH;
12). The more-medial limb of the suture
from the suture anchor is then retrieved
with the inferior limb of the PDS suture,

<?=KH;')$The medial limb of the suture anchor is

tied to the inferior limb of the polydioxanone (PDS)
suture from the anterosuperior lateral portal (A
and B). The 2 sutures are tied outside the shoulder
and the opposite limb of the PDS is pulled (C). This
allows the medial limb of the suture anchor to be
shuttled through the labral tissue. This limb can now
be retrieved above the labral lesion and retrieved via
anterosuperior lateral portal.

and both sutures are brought out through

the anterosuperior lateral portal (<?=KH;
')7). The 2 sutures are tied outside the
shoulder and the opposite limb of the
PDS suture is pulled. The medial limb
of the suture from the suture anchor is
then shuttled through the superior labral
tissue and then retrieved into the anterosuperior lateral portal. A standard ar-

76 | february 2009 | volume 39 | number 2 | journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy

<?=KH;',$With the tear reduced, 2 spinal needles

are passed in successive fashion through the full
thickness of the rotator cuff. A polydioxanone (PDS)
suture is then advanced through each spinal needle.
A grasper is used to shuttle these sutures out of the
anterior cannula and the sutures are then tied to
each other, pulled into the joint, and the knot is then
shuttled externally by pulling on one of the sutures.

<?=KH;'*$After a standard arthroscopic knot is

tied, the labrum is probed for stability and security of
xation (A, B). For larger labral lesions, this process
can be repeated using the same technique.

throscopic knot is then tied under direct

arthroscopic visualization (<?=KH;I ')8
7D:')9). The labrum is probed for stability and security of xation (<?=KH;'*7); a
second suture anchor, if needed, can be
employed using the same technique (<?=KH;'*8). In cases of associated instability,
where the SLAP lesion extends into the
anterior labrum or a separate Bankart
lesion is present, we use the exact same
technique as described above at the location of the additional lesion.
Type IV lesions are complex and can
pose a challenge when encountered intraoperatively. Our approach is that if
the longitudinal tear in the biceps tendon is less than one third of the tendon
diameter, then the fragment is excised. If
the fragment is approximately one third
of the diameter or greater, we repair the
torn fragment to the major portion of the
biceps tendon, followed by repair of the
superior labrum at the biceps anchor, as
described previously (<?=KH;I'+77D:'+8).
A spinal needle or a suture-passing instru-

<?=KH;'+$Type IV lesions with signicant biceps

involvement can be repaired. We repair the torn
fragment to the major portion of the biceps tendon
rst (A), followed by repair of the superior labrum at
the biceps anchor (B).

ment with a sharp tip can be used to pierce

the torn fragment, and the major portion
of the biceps tendon, followed by suture
passing and arthroscopic knot-tying.

IB7FB[i_edi7iieY_Wj[ZM_j^HejWjeh
Cuff Tears
In throwing athletes, it is not uncommon
to encounter delaminated (split into layers), intratendinous, partial-thickness
rotator cuff tears in conjunction with
SLAP lesions. We generally debride tears
less than 50% and repair those that are
greater than 50%. We have adopted a
technique of arthroscopic intratendinous
repair for delaminated, articular-side,
partial-thickness rotator cuff tears in
overhead athletes using percutaneously
placed mattress sutures. This technique
accomplishes 3 essential goals: (1) restoration of the anatomy of the articular
side of the rotator cuff, (2) repair of the
delamination component of the tear, and
(3) prevention of overconstraining the

<?=KH;'-$For larger tears, we use multiple mattress

sutures. A second set of spinal needles is passed
superiorly, and polydioxanone (PDS) sutures are
advanced and shuttled in the same fashion.

shoulder. The nal effect is the placement

of a suture that xes the torn articularside ap to the intact peripheral rotator
cuff, reducing the articular-sided partial
defect, and closing down the intrasubstance delamination. There is no bony
xation (<?=KH;I',#'.).

FEIJEF;H7J?L;
H;>78?B?J7J?ED

ostoperative rehabilitation
following SLAP repair is determined by the type of SLAP lesion,
the exact surgical procedure performed
(debridement versus repair), and other concomitant pathology. Generally

journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy | volume 39 | number 2 | february 2009 | 77

CLINICAL COMMENTARY

<?=KH;'.$The nal step is to tie the sutures in the

subacromial space.

speaking, we immobilize the patients

shoulder for a short period, followed
by emphasis on restoring motion and,
lastly, initiate strengthening exercises.
The following paragraph describes our
postoperative guidelines for patients who
underwent SLAP repair with no associated pathology.
For the first 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively, the patients shoulder is immobilized in internal rotation in a sling.
During that time, we prohibit any external rotation and limit abduction to 60.
Pendulum and elbow range-of-motion
exercise are encouraged. At 4 weeks,
shoulder motion is increased using
active-assisted and passive techniques.
At this point, the sling is discontinued
but we still limit external rotation to
30 to minimize strain on the labrum
through the peel-back mechanism.
Over the ensuing 4 weeks, internal
rotation and external rotation rangeof-motion activities are progressed to
90 of shoulder abduction. At approximately 8 weeks, we initiate resistance
exercises, with a focus on scapular
strengthening, provided adequate motion has been achieved (approximately
115 to 120 of shoulder external rotation). No resisted biceps activity (elbow
flexion and forearm supination) is allowed for the first 2 months to protect
the healing of the biceps anchor. After
4 months, a sport-directed throwing
program is initiated in overhead athletes, and contact sports are generally
allowed after 6 months.

The postoperative rehabilitation of a

surgically repaired type IV SLAP lesion
is similar to that of a type II repair, in
that range-of-motion and exercise activities are progressed similarly. However, there are substantial differences
regarding the progression of biceps activity based on the extent of bicipital involvement. In cases where the biceps is
resected, biceps muscular contractions
typically begin between 6 and 8 weeks
postsurgery. In cases where the biceps is
repaired, no resisted biceps activities are
allowed for at least 3 months following
surgery. Light isotonic strengthening
for elbow exion is initiated between 12
and 16 weeks postoperatively and full
resisted biceps activity is not initiated
until between 17 and 20 weeks postoperatively. The progression to sports and
related activities follows similar guidelines to those outlined for type II repair.
A more detailed and comprehensive
description of our postoperative guidelines is demonstrated schematically in
the 7FF;D:?N.

EKJ9EC;I

everal studies have documented successful surgical treatment of

SLAP lesions. 6,7,22,26 The majority
of publications address results following
surgical repair of type II SLAP lesions,
because these are the most common
type. In general, approximately 90%
of patients demonstrate good or excellent results at the short to intermediate
follow-up, but there is a paucity of longterm follow-up studies. Several recent
publications have provided additional
insight into our understanding of surgical results after SLAP repair. Kim et al15
evaluated 34 patients at a mean of 33
months after surgical repair of type II
SLAP lesions. While the overall results
were good (94% satisfactory UCLA
shoulder score, 91% return to preinjury
shoulder function), significant differences were seen between patients who
participated in different types of athletics. Specifically, throwing athletes had

lower shoulder scores and a lower percentage of return to their preinjury level
of shoulder function than patients who
were not involved in overhead sports.
Ide et al11 evaluated 40 patients at a
mean of 41 months after surgical repair
of type II SLAP lesions. All subjects in
this study were overhead athletes and,
overall, results were favorable, with
90% good or excellent modified Rowe
scores and 75% return to preinjury
shoulder function. However, throwers
without a specific traumatic injury had
lower scores and a lower return to preinjury function rate than throwers with
a history of a specific traumatic event.
These publications suggest that surgical
repair of type II SLAP tears in overhead
athletes with an overuse-related cause
may be less successful than in other
patients.

IKCC7HO

LAP lesions can be a source

of pain and disability in patients,
particularly during overhead activity. Diagnosing a SLAP lesion remains a
challenge for clinicians treating shoulder disorders. Clinical examination to
detect SLAP lesions can often be difcult because of the presence of concomitant pathology. A wide variety of
physical examination maneuvers have
been described to help diagnose the
presence of SLAP lesions. A comprehensive approach, including a thorough
history and physical examination, standard shoulder radiographs, and, often,
MRI, will most likely allow the clinician
to successfully diagnose this condition.
Surgical intervention is often a successful option for the patient with a SLAP
lesion who wishes to return to optimal function. Addressing concomitant
shoulder disorders at the time of surgery is also crucial to ensure a successful outcome. Finally, a well-organized
postoperative rehabilitation program is
mandatory for optimal results, and the
patient undergoing such surgery should
be well aware of its importance. T

78 | february 2009 | volume 39 | number 2 | journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy

H;<;H;D9;I
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jospt.2005.1701

CEH;?D<EHC7J?ED
WWW.JOSPT.ORG

journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy | volume 39 | number 2 | february 2009 | 79

CLINICAL COMMENTARY

7FF;D:?N

IB7FH;F7?HFEIJEF;H7J?L;H;>78?B?J7J?ED=K?:;B?D;I
Patient begins program, as directed by physician, on rst
postoperative day
F^Wi['&#)ma
Sling immobilization, as directed by physician
Codmans/pendulum exercises
Hand/wrist/elbow ROM exercises
Gripping exercises
FF plane of scapula PROM/AAROM (supine), limit to 90
Passive ER to neutral
Passive elbow abduction to 30
Cryotherapy/modalities PRN
F^Wi[()#,ma
Discontinue sling, physician directed
Continue FF plane of scapula PROM/AAROM (wand/pulleys), rate of progression based on patients tolerance
ER PROM/AAROM to 30
Manual scapular stabilization exercise, side lying

Begin pain-free IR/ER isometrics in modied neutral

No biceps strengthening
Cryotherapy/modalities PRN
F^Wi[),#.ma
Progress PROM/AAROM
 <<fbWd[e\iYWfkbWWdZWXZkYj_edje'.&
 ;Hje/&
Begin isotonic IR/ER strengthening in modied neutral
Begin latissimus strengthening, below 90 elevation
Begin upper body ergometer, below 90 elevation
Begin humeral head stabilization exercises, if adequate
strength and ROM exists
F^Wi[*.#'&ma
Continue aggressive scapula strengthening
Advance strengthening for deltoid, biceps, triceps, and
latissimus, as tolerated
Begin PNF patterns
Continue humeral head stabilization exercises

Advance IR/ER to elevated position in overhead athletes

(must be pain free and have good proximal strength)
Continue UBE for endurance training
Begin general exibility exercises
F^Wi[+'&#'*ma
Continue full upper extremity strengthening
Restore normal shoulder exibility
Begin activity-specic plyometric program
Continue endurance training
Type II repairs, begin gentle resisted biceps isotonic
strengthening
F^Wi[,'*#(*ma
Continue exibility exercises
Continue full strengthening program
Begin return to interval throwing, physician-directed
Type IV repairs, progress to isotonic biceps strengthening
Continue endurance training

Abbreviations: AROM, active range of motion; ER, external rotation; FF, forward exion; IR, internal rotation; PNF, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation; PRN, as needed; PROM,
passive range of motion; ROM, range of motion; UBE, upper body ergometer.

80 | february 2009 | volume 39 | number 2 | journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy