SLAP lesions of the glenoid labrum: CT arthrographic and arthroscopic correlation

Tears in the superior part of the glenoid labrum in the anterior and posterior directions (SLAP, superior labrum anterior, posterior) result from injuries that place excessive stress on the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle. The intimate relationship of the tendon and the superior glenoid labrum promotes injury to the latter structure. Four types of SLAP lesions are seen at arthroscopy. Images from 17 patients with surgically proved SLAP lesions who had undergone preoperative computed tomographic (CT) arthrography were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the value of CT arthrography in the detection and accurate depiction of these labral injuries. The authors compared the findings at videotaped arthroscopic surgery with those from CT arthrography and found that abnormalities of the labral-capsular apparatus could be detected with CT arthrography in 16 of the 17 patients. Furthermore, the CT arthrographic criteria developed during this review helped determine the type of tear in 15 of the 17 patients. CT arthrography appears to be useful in the evaluation of patients with suspected SLAP lesions.