In plain language
Injury of the superior shoulder labrum around the long-head biceps attachment; patterns range from fraying to unstable detachment.
Clinical Significance & Management
Interpret trauma, throwing load, age and associated cuff disease together. Load modification, mobility and scapular-cuff rehabilitation generally precede surgery. Persistent disability may prompt discussion of debridement, repair or biceps tenodesis.
Symptoms & Clinical Presentation
Deep pain with overhead activity and reduced performance
Clicking or catching, which are not specific
Etiology & Injury Mechanisms
- A fall or sudden arm traction
- Repetitive throwing and age-related degeneration
Diagnostics & Imaging Guide
Examine motion, cuff strength and scapular control; no single maneuver establishes diagnosis
Selected MRI or MR arthrography interpreted clinically
Treatment Options
Modify provoking loads and progressively strengthen; appropriate analgesia
Select surgery after unsuccessful rehabilitation according to tissue, stability and goals
Rehabilitation Milestones & Timeline
Rehabilitation depends on the diagnosis, procedure and associated injuries. Progression requires assessment of healing, symptoms and function; elapsed time or a single test cannot determine readiness for sport.
Protection
Control symptoms; protect the labrum and biceps attachment after repair
Recovery
Restore motion and endurance; resisted elbow flexion follows the procedure-specific plan
Sport
Progress throwing after strength, control and load tolerance assessment
Evidence-Based Clarifications
An MRI tear need not cause the pain. A trial in selected isolated type II lesions does not justify routine surgery or settle every athlete's case.
Sources & References
SLAP Tears in the Shoulder
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
Sham surgery versus labral repair or biceps tenodesis for type II SLAP lesions: randomised trial (2017)
British Journal of Sports Medicine
Educational clinical definitions synthesized from AAOS, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and HSS. Individual diagnosis and surgery require professional medical evaluation.
Publication date
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