SLAP tears and return to sport and work: current concepts

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Shoulder Surgery

Background:

• Superior labrum, anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions affect up to 26% of shoulder arthroscopies.
• Overhead sporting activities are a primary risk factor for SLAP tears.
• Non-operative treatments like physical therapy are common, but surgical intervention is often necessary.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the anatomy, injury mechanisms, and diagnosis of SLAP lesions.
• To discuss current surgical management options including debridement, repair, biceps tenodesis, and tenotomy.
• To analyze literature on outcomes related to return to sport and work after SLAP lesion treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current concepts and studies on SLAP lesions.
• Analysis of trends in operative management based on patient age and athletic demands.
• Examination of factors influencing return to play in overhead athletes.

Main Results:

• SLAP lesions are prevalent, particularly in athletes involved in overhead activities.
• Surgical management trends show a preference for biceps tenodesis in older patients and SLAP repair in younger patients.
• Return to play rates after surgery for elite throwers remain unpredictable and controversial.

Conclusions:

• SLAP lesions present a complex challenge in overhead athletes, especially baseball players.
• The optimal surgical approach for elite throwers with SLAP tears is debated.
• Further research is needed to clarify outcomes and guide treatment decisions for athletes.