Arthroscopic SLAP Repair Research Articles

Isolated and combined Type II SLAP repairs in a military population

The study compares the clinical results of isolated arthroscopic repair of Type II SLAP tears with those of combined treatment for Type II SLAP and other associated shoulder conditions. The population was composed of 36 aged-matched active duty males with a mean age of 31.6 years (range 22-41 years); mean follow-up was 29.1 months (range 24-42 months). Eighteen subjects in Group I had isolated Type II SLAP tears. Eighteen subjects in Group II had Type II SLAP tear and concomitant ipsilateral shoulder conditions, including subacromial impingement in six patients, acromioclavicular arthrosis in three patients, subacromial impingement and acromioclavicular arthrosis in four patients, spinoglenoid cyst in four patients, and intra-articular loose bodies in one patient. Arthroscopic SLAP repair was performed with biodegradable suture anchors. Subacromial decompression and spinoglenoid cyst decompression were performed arthroscopically. Distal claviculectomy was performed in open fashion. Loose bodies were removed arthroscopically. At minimum 2-year follow-up, the mean UCLA score for Group I (30.2 +/- 3.0 points) was not significantly different from Group II (30.8 +/- 2.0 points) (P = 0.48). The mean post-operative ASES score for Group I (84.1 +/- 13.4 points) was significantly lower than for Group II (91.8 +/- 5.4 points) (P < 0.04). The mean VAS pain score for Group I (1.6 +/- 1.3 points) was significantly higher than for Group II (0.7 +/- 0.7 points) (P < 0.02). Seventeen of 18 patients (94%) in each group returned to full duty. In a population of active duty males, arthroscopic repair of isolated Type II SLAP had comparable results with a cohort of Type II SLAP repairs treated in combination with other shoulder conditions, with the combined treatment group having significantly better results in two of three parameters measured. Return to duty rates were identical. Therefore, concurrent treatment of other associated extra-articular shoulder conditions improves the overall success of SLAP repair and the presence of these other conditions should be recognized and treated along with the SLAP tears in order to maximize clinical results.

Arthroscopic repair of SLAP lesions with a bioknotless suture anchor

The diagnosis and treatment of SLAP tears have improved with the development of arthroscopic shoulder surgery techniques. With types 2 and 4 tears, the goal is to restore stability to the labrum and biceps anchor and achieve healing to the glenoid. Suture repair with anchors is currently the repair technique of choice. The purpose of this article is to report a fast and simple method for arthroscopic SLAP repair that uses knotless suture anchors and obviates complex suture management and arthroscopic knot tying.

TECHNICAL NOTE: A “NEW” ARTHROSCOPIC SLIDING KNOT

Sliding knots are an essential element of arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The authors have been using a previously undescribed arthroscopic sliding knot with good clinical success. This knot has been used in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic shoulder stabilization, and arthroscopic SLAP repair. The technique of this knot is illustrated.

Technical note: A “new” arthroscopic sliding knot

Sliding knots are an essential element of arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The authors have been using a previously undescribed arthroscopic sliding knot with good clinical success. This knot has been used in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, arthroscopic shoulder stabilization, and arthroscopic SLAP repair. The technique of this knot is illustrated.