SLAP Tears

A SLAP tear is a unique type of shoulder injury that can also affect the biceps, causing pain and limiting movement in your shoulder and arm. At the first sign of a problem, connect with Mark Ciaglia, DO, William J. Jordan, MD, Hemali Patel, DPM, and the team at the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery. SLAP tears have a high risk of getting worse if you don’t seek prompt treatment. Call The Woodlands or Willis, Texas, office or request an appointment online today. 

What is a SLAP tear?

SLAP stands for “superior labrum from anterior to posterior,” which describes the location and shape of a tear in the shoulder’s labrum.

The labrum is a piece of cartilage that circles the socket. The cartilage helps to stabilize the shoulder, holding the arm bone in the joint by deepening the socket.

While injuries can affect any part of the labrum, a SLAP tear is unique. SLAP tears occur at the top of the labrum (the “superior” aspect) where the biceps tendon is attached.

Then, the tear forms a curve that begins in the front (anterior) of where the biceps tendon attaches and extends to the back (posterior) of the tendon. As a result, a SLAP tear can damage the labrum, the biceps, or both.

Am I at risk for SLAP tears?

Anyone can develop SLAP tears, ranging from minor fraying to a complete tear. However, this injury is most common in people engaging in overhead sports, such as tennis, baseball, and weightlifting.

You could also have a sudden, acute SLAP injury resulting from:

• Shoulder dislocation
• Car accident
• Falling onto an outstretched arm
• Forceful pulling on the arm (like catching a heavy object)

SLAP tears can also occur over the years, as shoulder movement gradually wears down the ring of cartilage.

What symptoms does a SLAP tear cause?

Your symptoms may include:

• Painful locking, popping, or catching
• Pain when moving the shoulder or arm
• Pain at the front of the shoulder
• Pain when lifting objects
• Shoulder and arm weakness
• Limited shoulder and arm movement
• Feeling the shoulder may pop out of the joint

If you’re a baseball pitcher, you may notice you can’t throw the ball as fast.

How is a SLAP tear treated?

Your Woodlands Center for Special Surgery provider will examine the shoulder’s strength, stability, and range of motion. They may decide to get X-rays or an MRI, depending on the results of your exam.

The first line of treatment for a SLAP tear includes anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, at-home exercises, and physical therapy.

If your shoulder doesn’t improve, your provider may recommend arthroscopic surgery. During this minimally invasive procedure, they make a small incision and insert a narrow instrument (arthroscope).  

The scope sends images of the tissues inside your shoulder to a monitor, allowing your provider to see the extent of the problem. Then, they perform surgery to repair the SLAP tear.

Don’t wait to get help for a painful shoulder. Call the nearest Woodlands Center for Special Surgery office or connect online to schedule an appointment.