Superior labral repair

Advances in shoulder arthroscopy have led to a greater understanding of the importance of lesions of the superior labrum and biceps tendon complex. Diagnosis of superior labrum anterior to posterior tears requires a high index of suspicion and is made by careful attention to the history, physical examination, and magnetic resonance arthrography. The diagnosis is confirmed with arthroscopy. The form of treatment is dependent on the type of tear and the stability of the superior labrum and biceps anchor. Appropriate treatment of the tear and any associated pathologies should lead to reliable improvements in the patient's symptoms. The purpose of this review article is to describe the anatomy, pathophysiology, classification, indications, and surgical technique of arthroscopic repair of superior labral tears. The surgical technique we present involves using 1 anchor with 2 sutures to anchor the superior labrum anterior to posterior tear to the superior glenoid tubercle.