SLAP Lesions in San Antonio
What Is a SLAP Lesion?
A SLAP lesion (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior tear) is an injury to the labrum, the ring of cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket. The labrum stabilizes the shoulder by deepening the socket and anchoring ligaments and the biceps tendon. When torn at the top of the shoulder, it can cause pain, instability, and limited movement.
How the Labrum Supports Shoulder Stability
The labrum helps:
Keep the humeral head (shoulder joint) in place.
Provide a strong attachment for ligaments and the biceps tendon.
Absorb shock and reduce joint wear.
Common Causes of SLAP Lesions
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Repetitive Overhead Movements
Athletes who engage in frequent overhead motions, such as baseball pitchers, swimmers, volleyball players, and weightlifters, are at higher risk of developing a SLAP lesion. The repetitive stress placed on the shoulder joint over time can weaken the labrum, making it more susceptible to injury.
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Trauma or Acute Injury
A fall on an outstretched arm is a common cause of SLAP tears. Direct impacts to the shoulder from a collision, car accidents, or catching a heavy object can generate the force necessary to tear the labrum. These types of traumatic injuries are well-documented causes of SLAP lesions.
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Age-Related Wear
Over time, the labrum becomes less resilient, particularly after age 40, and is prone to degenerative changes. This natural wear and tear can lead to fraying or partial tears, which may contribute to SLAP lesions. It's common for individuals over 40 to experience some level of labral degeneration, which can cause or exacerbate SLAP tears.
Symptoms of SLAP Lesions
A SLAP lesion can present with a variety of symptoms that affect the shoulder's range of motion and overall functionality. Common signs include:
Shoulder pain: Especially deep in the shoulder or around the top of the arm. The pain can worsen with overhead activities, such as lifting or throwing.
Popping or clicking sensations: A feeling of catching or popping in the shoulder when moving the arm. This is often felt when reaching overhead or during certain shoulder motions.
Weakness and Instability: The shoulder may feel weak or unstable, particularly during activities that require overhead motions. Some people experience a sensation of the shoulder "giving way" or feeling as though it might slip out of place.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty fully moving the shoulder, particularly when raising the arm overhead or extending it outward.
Pain While Sleeping: Discomfort or pain when lying on the affected shoulder, often making it difficult to get a restful night's sleep.
Treatment Options for SLAP Lesions
Treatment for SLAP lesions depends on the severity of the tear and the patient’s activity level, with options ranging from conservative care to surgery.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Rest & Activity Modification: Avoid overhead activities to allow the shoulder to heal.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and shoulder stability.
Medications: NSAIDs can help manage pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid Injections: For temporary pain relief and reduced inflammation.
Surgical Treatment
If conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery may be necessary. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair or remove damaged labral tissue. In cases of significant tears, labral repair or debridement may be performed, which involves reattaching or trimming the torn labrum. If the biceps tendon is affected, biceps tenodesis may be done to reposition the tendon for improved shoulder stability.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Recovery time varies, but physical therapy is essential to restore strength, range of motion, and shoulder function.
At The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, we provide specialized care for SLAP lesions, with a team dedicated to helping you recover fully. Our physicians bring over 100 years of combined experience, with expertise in shoulder injuries across multiple training backgrounds. In addition to your surgeon, you may work with our skilled orthopedic fellows, who have advanced training in shoulder care. Our team also includes compassionate front desk staff, medical assistants, x-ray technicians, and cast technicians, all focused on ensuring your comfort and the best possible outcome throughout your treatment journey.
Why Choose The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio for SLAP Lesion Treatment?
Meet Our Physicians
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David P. Green, M.D.
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Mark Bagg, M.D.
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David W. Person, M.D., F.A.C.S.
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Ramesh C. Srinivasan, M.D.
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Kunj Desai, M.D., F.A.C.S.
OTHER Shoulder RELATED ISSUES WE CAN HELP WITH
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Did you know we offer in-house therapy?
Hand therapy is a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.
