SLAP tear is an acronym for Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior. It refers to an injury to the top portion of the labrum, the cartilage rim that surrounds the shoulder socket.
The labrum helps stabilize the shoulder joint. When this structure tears, it can cause pain, instability, and difficulty performing overhead activities.
SLAP tears are commonly seen in athletes who perform repetitive overhead motions such as throwing sports.
In non-athletes, the injury may occur after sudden traction on the shoulder such as falling from height, sudden jerking of the arm, holding onto an overhead bar in a moving vehicle, or a sudden pull from a dog leash.
Patients with a SLAP tear may experience deep shoulder pain, clicking sensations, weakness, or difficulty lifting the arm overhead.
The symptoms can sometimes be subtle and are occasionally missed during initial evaluation.
Diagnosis of a SLAP tear is made through clinical examination and confirmed with MRI imaging performed at a specialized center.
Minor Grade I tears may sometimes be treated conservatively with physiotherapy and shoulder rehabilitation exercises.
Full thickness SLAP tears (Grade II, III, or IV) typically require arthroscopic surgical repair. This procedure is performed through small keyhole incisions using specialized instruments and a camera.
The torn labrum is reattached to the bone using small suture anchors. This technique allows restoration of stability while minimizing surgical trauma.
Patients usually return home the day after surgery and can resume light work within about one week.
The repaired labrum typically heals within six weeks. A supervised shoulder rehabilitation program helps restore strength and range of motion.
Athletes may return to sports activities after approximately four to six months depending on recovery progress.
