Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) Repair

A superior labrum anterior and posterior tear or SLAP tear is an injury to the labrum. This injury may also involve the biceps tendon, which is attached to the top part of the labrum. The injury occurs from repeated use of the shoulder or a fall onto the shoulder. A SLAP tear can be treated through an arthroscopic surgical procedure called a SLAP repair.

When conservative treatment measures such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy do not relieve the symptoms of a SLAP tear, a SLAP repair is performed to treat the torn labrum of the shoulder socket. This particular procedure involves the reattaching of the labrum to its normal anatomical position; thereby restoring the anatomy of the shoulder. The procedure also allows normal functioning of the previously damaged labrum and biceps attachment.