Understanding SLAP Tears: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Introduction

Have you ever felt a sudden, sharp pain in your shoulder when trying to lift something or playing your favorite sport? If so, you might be experiencing a SLAP tear. This type of injury is very common, especially for those who are sports enthusiasts or regularly use their arms for overhead movements. Understanding SLAP Tears: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment is essential to managing this condition and getting back to your active lifestyle.

In this post, we will explain what a SLAP tear is, its symptoms, and causes, how its diagnosis is done, and the treatment options available to help you feel better.

What is a SLAP tear?

SLAP stands for Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior. It’s a fancy way of saying there’s a tear in a specific part of your shoulder. So, a SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior tear) is a type of shoulder injury that occurs in the shoulder joint.

It mainly affects the labrum, a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint made up of three bones:

• The humerus – upper arm bone
• The scapula – shoulder blade
• The clavicle – collarbone

The head of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into a rounded socket in the shoulder blade. This socket is called the glenoid. Surrounding the outside edge of the glenoid is a rim of tissue called labrum.

The labrum helps to stabilize the shoulder joint and deepen the socket. It helps to keep the shoulder joint secure as you move your arm in different directions.

In a SLAP injury, the top (superior) part of the labrum is injured. This is also an area where the biceps tendon attaches to the labrum. A SLAP tear extends from the front (anterior) to the back (posterior) of this attachment point.

SLAP tears are common in athletes who use their shoulders extensively but can happen to anyone who experiences shoulder trauma. In a SLAP tear, the labrum is either partially or completely torn. This can make the shoulder feel weak and painful, especially during lifting or rotating the arm.

Types of SLAP Tears

• Type 1: In this type of tear, the labrum shows signs of fraying or shredding but still functions. Type 1 tears are often seen in people who are middle-aged or older.
• Type 2: This is the most common SLAP tear type. In this type, the labrum and bicep tendon are torn from the shoulder socket.
• Type 3: In type 3, torn labrum tissue is caught in the shoulder joint. This means that the labrum is torn and displaced into the joint.
• Type 4: This is the most severe type. In this, the tear that started in the labrum tears the bicep tendon.

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Symptoms of a SLAP tear

The symptoms of a SLAP tear are very similar to many other shoulder problems. They include:

• Shoulder pain: Pain is often felt in the shoulder and may worsen due to overhead movement or lifting objects. Some people also experience sharp pain during certain shoulder movements. This discomfort can make everyday activities difficult.
• Weakness in the shoulder: A SLAP tear can make the shoulder weak, especially when lifting the arm or pushing objects. There might also be difficulty in performing daily tasks, like reaching for items on a high shelf or throwing a ball. The shoulder may feel unstable during activities that put stress on the joint.
• Limited range of motion: The shoulder may feel stiff or limited in its ability to move in certain directions, especially when rotating or lifting the arm.
• Popping or clicking sensation: Many people with a SLAP tear experience popping, clicking, or grinding sensation when they move their shoulder. This can be uncomfortable and painful.
• Dislocation: In severe cases, the shoulder may feel unstable. It would seem to slip out of its place. This can especially happen during overhead arm movements.

Causes of a SLAP tear

• Repetitive overhead motions: Athletes involved in sports (baseball, tennis, swimming) that need repeated overhead motions are at a higher risk of developing SLAP tears.
• Shoulder injury: SLAP tears can also occur due to shoulder injury, like falling on an outstretched arm, receiving a direct blow to the shoulder or suddenly pulling the arm. These events can lead to a tear in the labrum.
• Age-related: As we age, the tissues in the body begin to lose elasticity and strength. The cartilage tends to become more brittle and prone to tearing. This makes older individuals more prone to SLAP tears. Therefore, the labrum can become weakened due to age.
• Shoulder dislocation: When the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the shoulder socket, it can lead to SLAP tears. So, when the shoulder is forced out of place, the labrum may get torn in the process.

Diagnosis of a SLAP tear

• Physical examination : During physical examination, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will also check for tenderness, pain, or weakness while moving the arm in certain directions. They may perform certain tests to determine shoulder stability and strength.
• Imaging tests: Common imaging tests include X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and CT scans. X-rays can’t directly detect a SLAP tear, but they help to rule out issues like fractures or arthritis. An MRI scan gives detailed images of the shoulder’s soft tissues. Sometimes, a special dye called contrast is also injected into the shoulder before the MRI to get a clearer view of any tears if present. A CT scan may be used only if the MRI is inconclusive.
• Arthroscopy: During arthroscopy, a small camera is inserted into the shoulder joint to examine the labrum directly. This procedure allows the doctor to examine the presence and severity of the SLAP tear.

Remember, diagnosing a SLAP tear can be tricky because the symptoms are similar to other shoulder problems. That’s why it’s crucial to see a specialist with these types of injuries.

Read More: Common Sports Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Management and treatment of a SLAP tear

The treatment of a SLAP tear depends on various factors like the severity of the tear, age, activity level, and overall shoulder health. Surgical and non-surgical treatments are available, depending upon the individual case.

• Non-surgical treatment: If the SLAP tear is mild, non-surgical treatment options can help to manage the symptoms and promote healing.
• Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate the symptoms (such as lifting, throwing, or overhead motions) is the first step in treating a SLAP tear. Give your shoulder time to heal and rest so that further damage can be prevented.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint and improve flexibility. Specific exercises prescribed by your doctor can help restore movement. Range-of-motion exercises will include stretching the connective tissue that surrounds the joint.
• Anti-inflammatory medicines: over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce pain and swelling in the shoulder. Your doctor may also recommend corticosteroid injections for severe pain or inflammation.

• Surgical treatment: If non-surgical treatments do not provide relief or if the tear is severe, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged labrum.
• Arthroscopic surgery: this is the most common procedure for treating SLAP tears. During this, the surgeon uses a small camera and tiny surgical instruments to repair the torn labrum. The labrum can be reattached to the bone using stitches or anchors.
• Biceps tenodesis: The surgeon may opt for a biceps tenodesis, especially in the case of older patients. This procedure involves detaching the biceps tendon from the labrum and reattaching it to another part of the upper arm bone. This reduces stress on the labrum and can provide relief from pain.

• Post-surgery recovery: Recovering from a SLAP tear surgery can take several months. The shoulder is put in a sling for the first few weeks to allow the labrum to heal. After this, physical therapy is introduced to strengthen and restore mobility of the shoulder.

Preventing a SLAP tear

It’s always not possible to prevent a SLAP tear, especially if it’s caused by trauma. However, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of injury.

1. Strengthen your shoulder muscles: Regular exercises that target the shoulder muscles, can stabilize the shoulder joint and minimize the risk of a SLAP tear. Taking guidance from a physical therapist or trainer can ensure that you are using the correct form.
2. Warm up before physical activity: Always warm up before getting into sports or activities that require repeated overhead shoulder movement. Stretching and gentle exercises can help prevent muscle strain and reduce the risk of injury.
3. Listen to your body: If you feel pain or discomfort in your shoulder while participating in sports that require repetitive shoulder movements, don’t ignore it. Take breaks, and don’t push through pain or fatigue.
4. Practice good posture: Poor posture can lead to unnecessary stress on the shoulder joint. Maintaining a good posture can help prevent strain on the shoulder and reduce the risk of a SLAP tear.

Conclusion

SLAP Tears can be painful and frustrating, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, most people can return to their normal activities. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, weakness, or instability, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. .

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, weakness, or instability, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. A SLAP tear can worsen over time if left untreated. It can lead to chronic pain and reduce shoulder mobility.

At Glyra Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating SLAP tears. Our team of orthopedic experts provides both surgical and non-surgical treatment options depending on your needs. Whether you are an athlete looking for expert care for your SLAP tear or simply want to regain full use of your shoulder, we are here to help.

With advanced technology and expert care, Glyra Orthopedics is committed to helping you recover and return to your daily activities as soon as possible. From diagnosis to rehabilitation, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

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How to make an appointment with Glyra Orthopedics

At Glyra Orthopaedics, our goal is to help you live an active life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of SLAP tear or have already been diagnosed with SLAP tear and are seeking expert care, we’d love to discuss further options. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Call us: Reach us at +91 98731-65961 to schedule an appointment today.
2. Online booking: You can also book your appointment through our website. Click on Glyra Orthopedics the appointment scheduling tab to choose a date and time that suits you.

Don’t wait—early intervention can make a significant difference in managing a SLAP tear. Let our team of experts at Glyra Orthopedics guide you toward a healthier, more active future.

In addition to our specialized SLAP tear care, Glyra Orthopedic provides a range of orthopedic services, including:

• Comprehensive joint care

• Sports medicine

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation

• Minimally invasive surgical options

Whatever your orthopedic needs are, Glyra Orthopedics is here to support you every step of the way.