A SLAP tear involves the cartilage, which lines the shoulder joint. Characterized by pain or dull aching, a labrum tear can impede the important movements and range of motion the shoulder is known for. Read here about surgical options and the path to rehabilitation for this common orthopedic problem.
What Is the Shoulder Labrum?
The shoulder labrum is a type of protective cartilage that lines the shoulder socket or glenoid. Repeated overuse of the shoulder in various kinds of movements, such as throwing or reaching, can tear this flexible cartilage, as can a sudden blow to the shoulder. Age and thinning of connective and protective tissues, such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, can contribute to labrum tears or even to simple wearing down of the labrum.
The term SLAP means shoulder labrum anterior to posterior. Orthopedic specialists report that up to eight percent of all shoulder injuries are related to the labrum.
What Are the Symptoms of a SLAP Tear?
As with most any bone and joint condition or injury, symptoms of a shoulder labrum tear can be very different from person to person. However, most cases present with:
- Shoulder pain and inability to reach up or behind the back
- Grinding or popping noises or sensations when throwing a ball or lifting the affected arm above the waist level
- A feeling of shoulder instability–that is, that your shoulder may dislocate spontaneously
While age (over 40) and traumatic injury to the shoulder can tear the labrum, most shoulder specialists attribute SLAP tears to chronic overuse.
Can a Shoulder Labrum Tear Heal Without Surgery?
To answer that question, it’s best to consult with an orthopedic specialist who will examine your shoulder, discuss your symptoms and your medical history and take some digital X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). People who have had similar injuries to their shoulders previously are more likely to need surgery to repair labrum tears.
Also, how severely the cartilage is damaged and where the tear is located in the glenoid socket are important factors. Your doctor will grade your tear one, two, three, or four, and from there, your orthopedist will develop a treatment plan specific to you, your age, your injury, and realistic therapeutic outcomes and goals.
The majority of labrum tears do not need surgical repair. Simple rest, ice to reduce swelling, wearing a sling, and doing some targeted physical therapy will promote healing and strength. Most of these injured shoulders can return to full use.
What Does Shoulder Labrum Tear Surgery Involve?
Other cases of SLAP tears may need arthroscopic repair. Today’s orthopedic surgeries are accomplished with a lighted, thin scope, small cutting tools, and other miniaturized surgical instruments. SLAP tear repair can be done on an outpatient basis.
Patients return home the very same day because of the small incisions and limited suturing involved in their procedures. Surgeons debride frayed and torn cartilage and can stitch the labrum back in place if necessary. Your doctor will cover the sutures with small bandages and possibly a larger bandage to protect the entire operative area. A sling is a must-have for several weeks.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from SLAP Surgery?
For the majority of patients, wound healing takes anywhere from four to six weeks. Beyond that, an additional four to six weeks or more is necessary to rebuild strength and range of motion in the operated shoulder.
Your occupational therapist will show you how to dress and do other simple tasks without harming your shoulder. Your physical therapist will work with you on the care of your incision, strength, and flexibility exercises, and more.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s and your therapist’s post-operative instructions carefully to maximize healing and rehabilitation of your shoulder. Also, if you return to a strenuous job or sport, such as baseball, be sure to use all appropriate protective gear and to continue with the stretching and warm-up routines you have learned in therapy.
Your Shoulder Surgeon in Clarksville, MD
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all kinds of upper extremity disorders and injuries. Shoulder surgery to repair labrum tears is one of our specialties, but we also offer a wide range of individualized therapies that can rehabilitate damaged joints, tendons, muscles, and more in non-invasive ways.
To find out what treating your labrum tear would involve and to hear more about surgical options, call us for a consultation with one of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at 410 296-6232 or request your visit here. We are pleased to have fully staffed locations in Lutherville, Clarksville, Westminster, Bel Air, and Pasadena, MS, and we are eager to serve your orthopedic needs. Please contact us today!
