What Is SLAP Tear Surgery?
SLAP tear surgery, often called arthroscopic SLAP tear surgery, fixes damaged shoulder cartilage called a SLAP tear. It stands for Superior Labrum, Anterior to Posterior.
The “L” in SLAP stands for the labrum in your shoulder. The labrum cushions the top part of your upper arm bone (humerus) and helps it stay in place in the shoulder socket. It’s also where your shoulder blade socket connects to one of your bicep tendons.
The “S” in SLAP refers to the top part of the labrum. When this area tears, your upper arm bone loses its cushion, and your bicep tendon loses its connection to the shoulder blade socket. This causes shoulder pain and instability.
What Happens During SLAP Tear Surgery?
- Surgeons make a small cut in your shoulder to insert a tiny camera called an arthroscope. This camera lets them see the torn labrum and the shoulder socket area.
- Once they find the tear, they assess the damage. If they decide to fix it, they use tools to prepare the torn section for reattachment.
- Next, they drill a small hole in your shoulder socket for an anchor suture.
- Finally, they stitch your labrum to the anchor suture so it lies flat against the shoulder socket.
SLAP Tear Surgery Success Rate
The average success rate of SLAP tear surgeries is around 70%. However, the return to sports is lower, especially for athletes who use overhead motions, like baseball players. One study found that 63% of overhead athletes returned to their sport after SLAP repair, but for baseball players, the rate was between 22% and 64%.
The SLAP tear surgery is generally successful in terms of patient satisfaction and daily activities. The success rate for returning to high-level overhead sports is lower, particularly for baseball players.
SLAP Tear Surgery Recovery
Your recovery time will depend on how bad and where the tear is. Usually, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the labrum to reattach to the bone and another 4 to 6 weeks to regain strength. It’s important to be patient during this time and avoid re-injuring the labrum while it heals.
Your doctor will explain what to expect with your specific injury. They will also explain which movements to avoid during recovery. If you play sports, it’s important to let your body fully recover before getting back in the game.
Contact sports like wrestling and football have a higher risk of re-injuring the labrum. We recommend that you allow proper healing despite your eagerness to return, as it will prevent future injuries. Once your shoulder is fully strong and functional again, you can return to your sport at the same intensity.
Most patients fully recover with few or no limitations after surgery. Physical therapy will help you regain strength safely and support the healing process.
Wrapping Up
If you have been suffering from a labrum tear and wondering, “Is slap tear surgery worth it?” We recommend that you leave it to your orthopedic surgeon to decide. They can present the best treatment options to you.
Visit Dr. Cusick at Michael C. Cusick, M.D. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializes in treating shoulder injuries. Call us at (713) 794-3599 to book an appointment.
Trusted By The Houston Community
Patient Reviews
Tom Conklin
Gilmer Phillips
Jack Roland
Peffley Nazlin
Thank you for a pleasant experience! The front office staff as well as the medical staff made me feel like family. They answered all my questions and I didn't feel rushed. The wait time was also less than 5 minutes of my scheduled appointment.
A M
Very enjoyable experience, the people are super nice and extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend Dr Cusick and his team
Robert Peeler
Kyle Powell
Kathy Zenker
DR CUSICK was very thorough. He explain everything so I could understand. I didn't feel like I was being rushed through.he took time with me
