Diagnosis and management of superior labral anterior posterior tears in throwing athletes

Am J Sports Med. 2013 Feb;41(2):444-60. doi: 10.1177/0363546512466067. Epub 2012 Nov 20.

Abstract

Injury to the superior glenoid labrum is increasingly recognized as a significant source of shoulder pain and dysfunction in the throwing athlete. Several theories have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) tears. The clinical examination of the superior labrum-biceps tendon complex remains challenging because of a high association of other shoulder injuries in overhead athletes. Many physical examination findings have high sensitivity and low specificity. Advances in soft tissue imaging such as magnetic resonance arthrography allow for improved detection of labrum and biceps tendon lesions, although correlation with history and physical examination is critical to identify symptomatic lesions. Proper treatment of throwers with SLAP tears requires a thorough understanding of the altered biomechanics and the indications for nonoperative management and arthroscopic treatment of these lesions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Athletic Injuries / classification
  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Athletic Injuries / physiopathology
  • Athletic Injuries / therapy*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Fibrocartilage / anatomy & histology
  • Fibrocartilage / injuries*
  • Fibrocartilage / physiopathology*
  • Fibrocartilage / surgery
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Shoulder Injuries
  • Shoulder Joint* / anatomy & histology
  • Shoulder Joint* / physiopathology
  • Shoulder Joint* / surgery
  • Shoulder Pain / etiology
  • Shoulder Pain / surgery*
  • Young Adult