SLAP tear

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SLAP tear
Anatomy of the shoulder joint
Synonyms	Superior labrum from anterior to posterior tear
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Shoulder pain, shoulder instability, clicking or popping sensation
Complications	Shoulder dislocation, rotator cuff tear
Onset	Often due to trauma or repetitive motion
Duration	Can be chronic if untreated
Types	N/A
Causes	Acute injury, overuse, degeneration
Risks	Athletes in overhead sports, aging
Diagnosis	Physical examination, MRI, arthroscopy
Differential diagnosis	Rotator cuff tear, biceps tendonitis, shoulder impingement
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with appropriate treatment
Frequency	Common in athletes and active individuals
Deaths	N/A

A SLAP tear or SLAP lesion is an injury to the Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior (SLAP) of the shoulder joint. The term "SLAP" stands for "Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior", which refers to the part of the shoulder that is injured.

Anatomy

The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint, where the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into a shallow socket in the scapula (shoulder blade). The socket is called the glenoid. The labrum is a ring of firm tissue that helps to deepen the glenoid and stabilize the shoulder joint. The biceps tendon attaches to the labrum at the top of the glenoid. When this area is injured, it is referred to as a SLAP tear.

Causes

SLAP tears can occur as a result of acute trauma or chronic wear and tear. Acute trauma might include a fall on an outstretched arm, a direct blow to the shoulder, a sudden pull, or a violent overhead reach. Chronic wear and tear could be due to repetitive shoulder motion, such as throwing a baseball or lifting weights.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a SLAP tear can include a catching sensation and pain with shoulder movements, most often overhead activities such as throwing a ball. Other symptoms can include a sense of instability in the shoulder, decreased range of motion, loss of strength, and pain at night or during daily activities.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a SLAP tear often involves a physical examination by a doctor, who will assess the range of motion, strength, and stability of the shoulder. Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for a SLAP tear can include non-surgical options such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication, or surgical options such as arthroscopy.

Images

<gallery caption="SLAP tear">]] File:SLAP1.png|SLAP tear type 1 File:SLAP2.png|SLAP tear type 2 File:SLAP3.png|SLAP tear type 3 File:SLAP-Lesion-before-after-EN.jpg|SLAP Lesion before and after <gallery>

See also

• Shoulder problems
• Rotator cuff tear
• Bankart lesion