[Relevant aspects of the individual medical examination in SLAP lesion: traumatic versus degenerative/preexisting...

In the case of SLAP-lesions the upper part of the labrum glenoidale is affected and the long tendon of the biceps muscle can be involved. In literature different types of the lesions are classified. In the case of an individual medical examination, it should be kept in mind that variations of normal anatomy exist and for that reason the examiner should analyse if there is a real pathological condition. He should also discuss the pathogenesis with special regard to the mechanisms of trauma as published in literature. With SLAP-lesions there should be a functional disabling symptomatology of the affected shoulder that occurs directly or at least shortly after the accident. Also the imaging modalities and, when available the findings of an operative treatment, should be analysed to see if other trauma-lesions exist. These aspects will be discussed in the following paper.