Arthroscopic treatment of superior labrum anterior posterior lesions

Abstract

Objective To discuss the clinical results of arthroscopic treatment of superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions of the shoulder. Methods A retrospective study was conducted for the 29 cases of shoulder SLAP lesions who had been treated by arthroscopy from January 2000 to December 2007. They were followed up for a mean period of 26.1(9 to 89) months and evaluated by UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) and ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) score systems before and after operation. Cases of subacromial impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tear and shoulder dislocation were ex-cluded from this study. Results The SLAP lesions were classified into 9 typos. There were 2 eases of type L 17 cases of type Ⅱ 1 case of type Ⅲ, 3 cases of type Ⅳ, 1 ease of type Ⅴ, 1 ease of type VI, and 4 cases of type Ⅷ. The average preoperative ASES score was 9.19±1.77 and the average preoperative UCLA score was 19.23± 3.88. After the operation, the average ASES score was 16.08±0.94 and the average UCLA score was 33.23± 2.08. The differences before and after surgery were statistically significant (P<0.05). After surgery 25 cases achieved the same sports level as before and reported no complains. Three cases had slightly limited range of movement. In I case, the pain was only lightly alleviated. All the 13 athletes restored the same sports level as before. The reply was positive by all patients to the question: Do you want to accept the same operation if you are injured again? Conclusion Arthreseopic treatment of SLAP lesions is safe and effective. Key words: Shoulder joint; Arthroseopy; Superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions