Dr. Jiwu Chen

Dr. Jiwu Chen
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SLAP lesion

Does a SLAP tear on MRI require labral repair?

Author: Dr. Jiwu Chen

Doctor’s answer

No. Age-related changes require correlation with symptoms and examination. Rehabilitation usually comes first. A randomized trial in selected isolated type II tears found no clear benefit of repair or tenodesis over sham surgery; its findings do not settle treatment for every young throwing athlete.

References and sources

  1. https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases--conditions/slap-tears/
  2. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097098

This content is for education. Diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation require an individual assessment by a sports medicine specialist.