SLAP Lesions Research Articles

Long head of biceps tenodesis ; indications and techniques : systematic review

The long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon is often implicated in various shoulder pathologies because of its anatomic course and its close relation to the rotator cuff and the superior labrum of the glenoid. Nonoperative treatment continues to have a role for patients who have mild symptoms with tendinopathy or partial tears of the biceps tendon. Surgical treatment is considered for patients with partial tears of the biceps tendon, biceps pulley lesions and SLAP lesions. The choice of treatment whether repair, tenotomy or biceps tenodesis remains controversial. Biceps tenodesis is the preferred technique to manage LHB lesions especially in younger patients, laborers, athletes and patients who want to avoid a cosmetic deformity. This systematic review suggested that the most commonly used and studied indications for LHB tenodesis were LHB tearing, LHB instability, and LHB tenosynovitis. Biceps tenodesis can be performed by arthroscopic or open techniques, using either soft tissue or bony fixation, and the fixation devices varies from screws to anchors to buttons to just bony tunnels with no hardware. According to our review, both arthroscopic and open biceps tenodesis showed similar pain relief and clinical outcomes and either of these methods may be recommended for patients with disorders of the biceps tendon and there is no consensus about the best fixation technique.

Biceps Tenodesis Is a Viable Option for Management of Proximal Biceps Injuries in Patients Less Than 25 Years of Age

To evaluate outcomes after biceps tenodesis performed in patients younger than 25years, to evaluate reoperations and complications in this population, and to critically appraise return to preinjury level of play for this population. Forty-five consecutive patients younger than 25years underwent subpectoral biceps tenodesis for biceps tendinopathy or biceps-labral complex injuries including SLAP tears. Biceps tenodesis was performed using an interference screw technique. Patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up were analyzed. Functional outcomes were assessed with the visual analog scale score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, ASES functional score, Simple Shoulder Test score, and range of motion. Activity level and return to sport were followed postoperatively. Of the 45 patients younger than 25years who underwent biceps tenodesis, 36 (80%) were available for follow-up at a minimum of 2years, with a mean age of 19.8years and mean follow-up period of 38.6months. Of these 36 patients, 34 (94%) were athletes, with 20 patients playing at collegiate level. All clinical outcome scores improved, with the ASES score improving from 54.7 to 81.7, the ASES functional score improving from 17.5 to 25.1, and the Simple Shoulder Test score improving from 7.4 to 10.1 (P < .001). At the time of follow-up, 4 patients (11%) had undergone revision surgery for other injuries. Of the 34 athletes, 25 (73%) returned to sports, with 19 returning at the same level and 6 returning at a lower level of play; 77% of overhead athletes returned to sports. When indicated, biceps tenodesis offers an alternative to SLAP repair in young patients. Biceps tenodesis in patients younger than 25years yields satisfactory outcomes, with two-thirds of patients returning to sport and a low revision rate. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Arthroscopic Soft Tissue Stabilization for Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability in Elite Collision Athletes

Objectives: Surgical options for shoulder instability in collision athletes remain controversial. Although arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization is widely accepted treatment for traumatic anterior shoulder instability, many surgeons prefer coracoid transfer such as Latarjet procedure for collision athletes with or without glenoid defect due to potential high recurrence rate after arthroscopic soft tissue Bankart repair (ABR). In the meantime, Hill-Sachs remplissage (HSR) has been gaining popularity as an effective arthroscopic augmentation procedure. Since 2002, we performed rotator interval closure (RIC) as an augmentation in addition to ABR or arthroscopic bony Bankart repair (ABBR) for collision athletes and obtained satisfactory outcome. However, teen players demonstrated higher recurrence rate compared to twenties and thirties. Therefore, from 2012, we performed HSR as an additional augmentation for teen players besides ABR/ABBR and RIC. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes after arthroscopic stabilization in collision athletes who underwent shoulder stabilization under our treatment strategy. Methods: Between 2012 through 2015, 95 consecutive collision athletes underwent shoulder stabilization. Among those, only 2 patients (2%) underwent arthroscopic bony procedure for poor capsular integrity. Among the remaining 93 patients who underwent soft tissue stabilization, 65 were available for minimum 2-year follow-up (70%). Therefore, subjects consisted of 65 players including 54 rugby and 11 American football players (Table 1). There were 13 national top league, 24 collegiate, 21 junior or senior high school, and 7 recreational players. The mean age at surgery was 20 years (range, 16-36). The mean follow-up was 37 months (range, 24-64). We retrospectively reviewed intraoperative findings and surgical procedures using patient records including surgical reports and videos. We also investigated functional outcome and recurrence rate. Pre- and postoperative Rowe scores were compared using paired t test. Results: Preoperative 3DCT of the glenoid demonstrated bony Bankart (fragment type) in 43 players (66%), attritional type in 16 (25%), and normal glenoid in 6 (9%). Mean glenoid bone loss was 15% (range, 0-25) and all of the glenoid with more than 10% bone loss retained bony fragment. All 65 players demonstrated Bankart lesion and 15 had concomitant SLAP lesion (23%) which required to be repaired. In addition, 5 players demonstrated capsule tear (8%), which were also repaired. Twenty-four players (36%) underwent ABR or ABBR with RIC and forty one players (64%) underwent ABR or ABBR combined with HSR (Table 1). The mean Rowe score significantly improved after surgery from 65 (range, 55-75) to 92 (range, 65-100) (P &lt; .001). Recurrence appeared in 2 cases (3%), both of which were junior or senior high school players who underwent ABR with HSR. Ten national top league players who underwent ABR with RIC had no recurrence. Conclusion: Soft tissue stabilization combined with selective augmentation procedures for traumatic shoulder instability in collision athletes demonstrated satisfactory outcomes with extremely low recurrence rate. Since the incidence of having bony Bankart lesion in collision athletes was very high, arthroscopic bony Bankart repair worked in many patients even with significant glenoid bone loss. Further, Hill-Sachs remplissage seemed to be effective additional augmentation especially in young collision athletes. [Table: see text]

Assessments of activities of daily living after arthroscopic SLAP repair with knot-tying versus knotless suture anchors.

The clinical influence of knot-tying or knotless anchor systems for the arthroscopic repair of SLAP lesions (superior labrum lesion from anterior to posterior) remain unclear. In a retrospective cohort analysis, 61 of 78 (78.2%) patients with isolated symptomatic SLAP II lesions were examined with a minimum of 24months after arthroscopic SLAP repair compared to a control group: 28 patients with knot-tying anchors (group I, G1; 28.95 ± 9.48 years, 23 male/5 female), 33 with knotless anchors (group II, G2; 31 ± 10.09 years, 26 male/7 female) and 140 healthy volunteers (group III, G3; 30.9 ± 8.9 years, 109 male/31 female). The clinical assessment included an examination and estimated parameters of ADL (activities of daily living), the CS (Constant score), ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow score), DASH (disability of arm-shoulder hand) and the RS (Rowe score). The ROM analysis recorded no significant differences for the external rotation in 0° abduction (G1 63.75° ± 15.55° versus = vs G2 65.30° ± 18.15°; pERG1 vs G2 = 0.72). The clinical outcomes revealed significantly decreased pain status in G1 for the O'brien test and in G2 for the Palm-up test, whereas Yergason test showed similar pain levels (pO'brien = 0.03; ppalm up = 0.02; pyergason > 0.5). The pulley associated rotator cuff tests revealed a significantly inferior force status in G2 compared to G1 (plift-off = 0.005, pJobe = 0.02) whereas the further rotator cuff assessments were equal. In general, the intervention group showed increased pain level and functional deficits compared to the G3. The score analysis detected no significant differences with PCSG1 vs G2, PASESG1 vs G2, PDASHG1 vs G2 and PRSG1 vs G2 all > 0.05 and significant impairments compared to G3 in all scores pG1/G2 vs G3 < 0.05 (CSG1 = 88.28 ± 14.42, CSG2=92.73 ± 9.24, CSG3 = 96.2 ± 4.96; ASESG1 = 81.10 ± 21.69, ASESG2 = 85.35 ± 17.12, ASESG3 = 94.95 ± 10.39,; DASHG1= 35.75 ± 13.44, DASHG2 = 36.03 ± 17.55, DASHG3 = 27.13 ± 6.52; RSG1 = 90.71 ± 9.88, RSG2 = 88.33 ± 11.22, RSG3= 92.96 ± 11.27). The clinical assessment revealed for both anchor systems similar outcomes but showed general underestimated impairments after the SLAP repair surgery compared to the healthy control. The clinical status only marginally differed between both techniques, wherefore the present assessment of ADL allowed no recommendation of one of these two specific surgery technique for SLAP repair.

Biceps tenodesis versus tenotomy in isolated LHB lesions: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

Currently there exists no clear evidence concerning the surgical treatment of LHB lesions with either tenotomy or tenodesis. The aim of the study is therefore to evaluate elbow flexion and forearm supination force as well as the biceps muscle distalization according to both techniques in isolated LHB lesions. Consecutive patients aged 40-70years with shoulder arthroscopies for isolated SLAP or biceps pulley lesions were prospectively randomized to arthroscopic suprapectoral intraosseous LHB tenodesis or tenotomy. Pre-, 6 and 12months postoperatively, the SST, ASES, Constant-Murley and LHB scores were recorded. The elbow flexion force was measured in 10°/90° flexion, the supination force in neutral/pronation position. In addition, the maximum upper-arm circumference and its position relative to the radial epicondyle of the humerus were evaluated preoperatively and in follow-up. 20/22 patients (mean age 52.0 ± 8.5; range 36-63 years, 11 male) completed the follow-up. 9/20 were treated with LHB tenodesis (mean age 51.5 ± 9.5; range 37-63 years, 7 male) and 11/20 with tenotomy (mean age 52.8 ± 8.0; range 36-62 years, 4 male). The force measurements and scores showed no significant difference after 12months. Tenodesis achieved a significant increase in force 6months postoperatively compared to preoperatively. One tenodesis patient and three tenotomy patients showed a postoperative popeye-sign deformity. This prospective randomized study comparing LHB tenodesis and tenotomy in isolated LHB lesions has shown no significant difference in elbow flexion and forearm supination force and clinical scores after 12months. After LHB tenotomy, there was a non-significant trend for a higher rate of popeye-sign deformities of the upper arm and biceps muscle cramps.

Incidence of gadolinium or fluid signal within surgically proven glenoid labral tears at MR arthrography.

To determine how often patients with surgically proven labral tears have labral signal on shoulder MR arthrography (MRA) that is not equal to gadolinium or fluid on T1- and T2-weighted images, respectively. Consecutive patients with surgical repair of a SLAP or Bankart labral tear within 95days of an MRA were included. Using cartilage signal as an internal reference, two musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologists retrospectively categorized labral signal as T1-hyperintense, T1-gadolinium, T2-hyperintense, or T2-fluid. In patients without T1-gadolinium or T2-fluid labral signal, secondary findings such as the orientation, extent, shape, and width of the abnormal signal was recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's test and ANOVA. Sixty-one labral tears (36 SLAP and 25 Bankart) in 54 patients (mean age, 30.7; F:M 8:46) met the inclusion criteria. In 67% and 76% of SLAP and Bankart labral tears, T1-gadolinium signal was present (p = 0.43). T2-fluid signal was present in 50% and 92% of these same labral tears (p = 0.001). The absence of T1-gadolinium or T2-fluid signal was more common in SLAP tears (33%) compared to Bankart tears (8%) (p = 0.02). In the SLAP cases, at least two secondary findings of a SLAP tear were present in 92% (11/12). Lack of surfacing T1-gadolinium or T2-fluid labral signal is unusual in Bankart tears but relatively common in SLAP tears. However, a SLAP tear was diagnosed in 92% of these 12 cases when two secondary findings were present.

MRI, arthroscopic and histopathologic cross correlation in biceps tenodesis specimens with emphasis on the normal appearing proximal tendon

PurposeTo correlate the histopathologic appearances of resected long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) specimens following biceps tenodesis, with pre-operative MRI and arthroscopic findings, with attention to the radiologically normal biceps. Material and methodsRetrospective analysis of patients who had undergone preoperative MRI, subsequent arthroscopic subpectoral tenodesis for SLAP tears and histopathologic inspection of the excised sample between 2013 and 16. Those with a normal MRI appearance or mildly increased intrasubstance signal were independently analyzed by 2 blinded radiologists. A blinded orthopedic surgeon and pathologist reviewed all operative imaging and pathologic slides, respectively. ResultsTwenty-three LHBT resected samples were identified on MRI as either normal (Reader 1 n = 15; Reader 2 n = 14) or demonstrating low-grade increased signal (Reader 1 n = 8; Reader 2 n = 9). Of these, 86.9% demonstrated a histopathological abnormality. 50% of samples with histopathological abnormality demonstrated normal appearance on MRI. The most common reported histopathology finding was myxoid degeneration (73.9%) and fibrosis (52.2%). The most common arthroscopic abnormality was fraying (18.2%) and erythema (13.6%). Utilizing histopathology as the gold standard, the two radiologists demonstrated a sensitivity of 35.0% v 42.9%, specificity of 66.7% v 100%, PPV of 87.5% v 100%, and NPV of 13.3% v 14.3%. Corresponding arthroscopic inspection demonstrated a sensitivity of 31.6%, specificity of 66.6%, PPV 85.7% and NPV of 13.3%. There was moderate agreement between the two radiologists, κ = 0.534 (95% CI, 0.177 to 0.891), p = 0.01. ConclusionHistopathological features of low grade tendinosis including mainly myxoid degeneration and fibrosis are frequently occult on MR imaging.

SLAP IV IN OVERHEAD SPORTS PRACTICE.

ABSTRACTSuperior labral tear from anterior to posterior (SLAP) is the most common disease in overhead sports practice.Objective:to evaluate the functional outcome after tenodesis of long head biceps tendon (LHBT) in high-performance patients with isolated SLAP lesion refractory to conservative treatment.Methods:Patients underwent the same open repair procedure, using an interference screw.Results:Both patients presented good clinical results and returned to the sport with performance similar to that prior to the injury.Conclusion:The results favor the surgical treatment of these athletes with SLAP IV. Level of Evidence IV, Série de Casos.

Reconstruction of the Superior Glenoid Labrum With Biceps Tendon Autograft: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Study

To describe 2 superior labral reconstruction techniques using long head of the biceps (LHB) autograft and to investigate the ability of the 2 reconstruction techniques to restore superior restraint to the glenohumeral joint compared with superior labrum-deficient models. In this biomechanical study, 10 cadaveric shoulders were cycled on a servohydraulic machine while the force required to cause superior subluxation was recorded. Each specimen was cycled under 4 conditions: intact labrum, SLAP tear, posterior (9- to 12-o'clock position) labral reconstruction using LHB autograft (superior labral reconstruction 1 [SLR1]), and 180° (9- to 3-o'clock position) labral reconstruction using LHB autograft (superior labral reconstruction 2 [SLR2]). The mean peak force required to cause superior subluxation in the intact labrum was 32.75N versus 19.75N in the SLAP tear (P= .0120). SLR1 required a mean peak force of 31.23N versus 44.09N for SLR2 (P= .0175). SLR1 required 94.96% of the force needed in the intact labrum to cause subluxation, whereas SLR2 required 140.6%. SLR1 and SLR2 required 34.21% higher (P= .0074) and 79.84% higher (P= .0033) forces, respectively, to generate subluxation compared with the SLAP tear state. Both proposed superior labral reconstruction techniques increased the force needed for humeral head superior migration in the setting of a labral tear. SLR1 (posterior labral reconstruction) closely matched the constraint of an intact labrum, whereas SLR2 (180° labral reconstruction) provided greater superior constraint than an intact labrum. The natural history of irreparable rotator cuff tears results in superior glenohumeral escape and eventual arthrosis. The superior glenoid labrum is an important contributor to superior glenohumeral constraint and is often degenerated in this setting. Clinical application of the 2 described superior labral reconstruction techniques may improve glenohumeral superior stability in patients with rotator cuff disease and superior labral deficiency.

Arthroscopic SLAP IIb Repair Using Knot-Tying Versus Knotless Suture Anchors: Is There a Difference?

The use of knotless suture anchors has increased in popularity; however, there is a paucity of literature examining the difference in clinical outcomes with traditional knotted fixation. It was hypothesized that knotless fixation would provide superior clinical outcomes, improved return to play (RTP), and lower revision rates as compared with traditional knotted fixation in the repair of SLAP IIb tears. Seventy-four athletes who underwent arthroscopic SLAP IIb repair with traditional (n = 42) and knotless anchors (n = 32) by a single surgeon were evaluated after a minimum 2-year follow. Demographic and surgical data, RTP, Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, stability, strength, and pain scores were compared. Knotless anchors had slightly higher RTP (93.5% vs 90.2%, P = .94) and RTP at the same level (58.1% vs 53.7% P = .81) compared with knotted fixation, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Knotless anchors were less likely to require revision surgery than traditional anchors (9% vs 17%, P = .50), but the difference was not statistically significant. When comparing knotless and traditional knotted suture anchor repair of type llb SLAP tears, knotless fixation required less revision surgery and had higher RTP, ASES, and KJOC scores; however, statistical significance was not achieved in this relatively small cohort.

High Rate of Return to Sporting Activity among Overhead Athletes With Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis for Type II SLAP Tear

High Rate of Return to Sporting Activity among Overhead Athletes With Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis for Type II SLAP Tear

Transcapsular Decompression of Shoulder Ganglion Cysts

Paralabral cysts are an increasingly recognized cause of suprascapular nerve (SSN) impingement, often causing insidious weakness in the rotator cuff. Compression at the suprascapular notch is often due to the presence of a SLAP tear and leads to pain, weakness, and atrophy of both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. Compression of the SSN at the spinoglenoid notch leads to weakness and atrophy of the infraspinatus only. Arthroscopic decompression of cysts with repair of labral pathology is typically performed in a sublabral fashion, which may make visualization of the extent of the cyst difficult and places the SSN at increased risk. With any approach, an intimate knowledge of the anatomy of the SSN is vital to safe decompression. We present a surgical technique for decompression of paralabral cysts using an intra-articular transcapsular approach. This approach maximizes visualization and efficiency and reduces possible damage to the SSN.

Type VIII SLAP Repair at Midterm Follow-Up: Throwers Have Greater Pain, Decreased Function, and Poorer Return to Play

To evaluate and compare midterm outcomes and return to play (RTP) of throwers and nonthrowers who underwent type VIII SLAP repair. With 4-year minimum follow-up, stability, pain, range of motion (ROM), Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores; surgical satisfaction; and RTP were compared between throwing and nonthrowing athletes who underwent repair of type VIII SLAP lesions between 2003 and2014. 46 patients (27 throwers and 19 nonthrowers) were included. The athletes were aged 24.2 ± 9.2years at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up period was 6.6 ± 2.0years. A significant improvement in stability, pain, ROM, KJOC, and ASES scores was seen after surgery in both throwers and nonthrowers (P < .05). When postoperative outcomes were compared, throwers had more pain (P= .047), decreased ROM (P= .03), lower KJOC scores (52.2 ± 24.0 in throwers vs 87.5 ± 18.8 in nonthrowers, P < .0001), and lower ASES scores (43.5 ± 7.1 in throwers vs 48.3 ± 3.0 nonthrowers, P= .02). There was no difference in stability (P= .06), surgical satisfaction (96.3% in throwers vs 100% in nonthrowers, P > .99), or overall RTP (70.4% in throwers vs 94.7% in nonthrowers, P= .06). However, throwers were less likely to RTP at their preoperative level (37.0% in throwers vs 73.7% in nonthrowers, P= .02). Surgical repair of type VIII SLAP tears led to significant improvements in stability, pain, ROM, and outcome scores at midterm follow-up. Compared with nonthrowers, throwers had significantly more pain, less ROM, and worse function. Throwers were also less likely to RTP at their preoperative level. These findings suggest that type VIII SLAP tears should be repaired in all athletes because outcomes do improve, although throwers require specific counseling and expectation management regarding their ability to RTP at their preinjury level. Level III, therapeutic case-control study.

A positive scapular assistance test is equally present in various shoulder disorders but more commonly found among patients with scapular dyskinesis

ObjectiveAssess the frequency of a positive scapular assistance test (SAT) in different shoulder disorders and establish its association with scapular dyskinesis. DesignCross-sectional. SettingShoulder clinic. ParticipantsSeventy-four patients. Main outcome measuresThe SAT and visual assessment of scapular movement were performed by a physical therapist. An orthopaedic surgeon classified participants into 4 diagnostic categories: rotator cuff disease, superior labrum anterior posterior lesion (SLAP), shoulder instability, and other. ResultsTwenty-seven (36.5%) participants presented with a positive SAT. The SAT was positive among 9 of 28 participants (32.1%) with rotator cuff disease, 7 of 23 participants (30.4%) with SLAP lesions, 9 of 21 participants (42.9%) with shoulder instability, and 2 of 2 participants (100.0%) with other pathologies. The frequency of a positive SAT did not differ between the various diagnostic categories (P = 0.64). The SAT was more frequently positive among participants with scapular dyskinesis (48.5% versus 26.8%, P = 0.05). ConclusionsThe SAT is found similarly positive among patients with various common shoulder disorders. Although associated with scapular dyskinesis, the SAT was positive in less than half of those demonstrating scapular dyskinesis suggesting the SAT may help identify patients in whom altered scapular movement is contributing to shoulder pain.

Distal Pullout Strengths of the Biceps Long Head Tendon for Different Adjacent Tissue and Tendon Pathologies during Rotator Cuff Repair

Purpose. Pathologies of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) are frequently recognized in cases of rotator cuff tear. Recommendations for managing such pathologies remain debatable, and distal migration of tenotomized biceps is always a concern when only tenotomy is performed. Methods. Seventy patients of mean age 60.4 ± 6.9 years (range: 44 to 82 years) were included in this retrospective study. During subpectoral tenodesis in rotator cuff repair, pullout tensions were measured using a digital tensiometer. Measured tensions obtained were analyzed with respect to sex, tear involvement of the subscapularis, and the presence of a partial tear of LHBT, type II SLAP lesion, subluxation/dislocation of the biceps, or a pulley lesion. Results. Mean LHBT pullout tension for the 70 study subjects was 86.5 ± 42.1 N (26.7-240.5 N). Distal LHBT pullout tension was significantly greater for men than women (93.2 ± 42.7 N versus 73.7 ± 38.7 N, P = 0.041). However, LHBT pullout tensions were not significantly associated with different pathologies of surrounding tissues or of LHBTs (all Ps > 0.05). Conclusion. The study failed to show pullout tension differences associated with pathologies affect distal migration of a tenotomized LHBT. Gender was the only factor found to affect LHBT pullout strength. Risk of distal migration of tenotomized LHBT could not be predicted with intraoperative arthroscopic pathologic findings.

Factors influencing outcomes of nonsurgical treatment for baseball players with SLAP lesion

Background/objectiveSuperior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesion of the shoulder joint occurs in throwing athletes as a results of overuse, such as from repetitive baseball pitching. Nonsurgical treatments are usually the first-line therapy for symptomatic SLAP lesion. However, some patients cannot obtain satisfactory improvement of their symptoms, leading to dysfunction of the shoulder and diminished pitching performance. The purpose of this study was to analyze factors that influence outcomes of nonsurgical treatments for SLAP lesion. MethodsForty-five baseball players with SLAP lesion, whose mean age was 21.6 (range, 16–36) years and who underwent nonsurgical treatments, were the subjects of this study. SLAP lesion was diagnosed by shoulder arthrography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Exclusion criteria included definite associated trauma such as dislocation, fracture or injuries related to sports activities. Playing positions included pitcher (21 patients), catcher (3 patients), infielder (13 patients) and outfielder (8 patients). Mean symptomatic duration from the onset of shoulder pain to the beginning of nonsurgical treatments was 8.5 (range, 1–72) months. Nonsurgical treatments included physical therapy, such as range of motion, stretching, and rotator cuff exercises, as well as prescription of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs if necessary. To identify factors that influenced outcomes of nonsurgical treatments for SLAP lesion, various factors of 13 nonresponsive patients were compared with those of 32 patients who responded to nonsurgical treatment. The factors were as follows: patient background, such as age or playing position; range of shoulder motion; shoulder joint laxity; and findings of radiographs and MRI. All data were statistically assessed using logistic analysis and Spearman's correlation coefficient. The significance level was set at P < 0.05, and odds ratios were determined. ResultsFactors identified as having significant difference between the 2 groups were age, duration of baseball experience, symptomatic period, playing position, range of internal and external rotation in the first medical examination, range of total rotation of 90° abduction 2 months after nonsurgical treatments, and presence of Bennett spur and partial-thickness tears of the articular-side rotator cuff. Factors with high odds ratios were symptomatic period, range of total rotation of 90° abduction 2 months after the treatment, age, and duration of baseball experience. ConclusionSymptomatic period, duration of baseball experience, age, and findings of radiographs and MRI are inevitable factors that cannot be improved by nonsurgical treatment. On the other hand, restriction of shoulder motion due to posterior muscular tightness is a factor that can be improved by nonsurgical treatment. Early improvement of shoulder motion is important to obtain satisfactory outcomes of nonsurgical treatments for SLAP lesion.

The efficacy of SLAP repair and biceps tendon tenotomy and fixation for type II SLAP lesions in shoulder arthroscopic: a Meta-analysis

Objective To evaluate the effects of SLAP repair and biceps tendon tenotomy and fixation in treating type Ⅱ superior labrum from anterior to posterior in shoulder arthroscopy. Methods PubMed, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang database were searched electronically to screen randomized controlled trials and non randomized controlled trials that comparing two surgical methods for typeⅡ SLAP lesions. In addition, we also retrieved the domestic orthopedic magazine and searches references that we had included in the present study. According to the criterion, screening literatures, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by two reviewers independently. Meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software to evaluate UCLA scores, ASES scores, VAS scores and SST scores. Results A total of 7 articles were included in the present study, including 3 literatures in Chinese and 4 in English. There were 2 randomized controlled trials and 5 non randomized controlled trials. Two hundred and fifty-six patients were enrolled in the present study, including one hundred and twenty-five patients with SLAP repair and one hundred and thirty-one patients with biceps tendon tenotomy and fixation. Meta-analysis showed that there was significant difference in total score of UCLA [MD=2.55, 95%CI(0.57, 4.53), P=0.01] and shoulder function in the UCLA scoring system [MD=0.62, 95%CI(0.21, 1.02), P=0.003] compared with SLAP repair. There was no difference in the UCLA scoring system, including pain [MD=0.99, 95%CI(-0.15, 2.14), P=0.09], flexion [MD=0.16, 95%CI(0.01, 0.32), P=0.06], strength [MD=0.03, 95%CI(-0.15, 0.22), P=0.74], satisfaction [SMD=0.18, 95%CI(-0.57, 0.93), P=0.64] compared with SLAP repair. There was significant difference in ASES scores [MD= 6.32, 95%CI(2.55, 10.08), P=0.001] between two groups. There was no difference in VAS scores [MD=0.54, 95%CI (-0.64,1.72), P=0.37] and SST scores [MD=0.81, 95%CI(-0.23, 1.86), P=0.13] between two groups. Conclusion The UCLA scores, ASES scores and surgical results of biceps tendon tenotomy and fixation are superior to SLAP repair in treating type ⅡSLAP lesions. However, there is no significant advantage in pain, flexion, strength and satisfaction between the two groups. Key words: Glenoid cavity; Wounds and injuries; Arthroscopy; Meta-analysis

Arthroscopic Decompression of Spinoglenoid Notch Cyst and SLAP Repair Through a Single Working Portal

A SLAP lesion can be found with a concomitant spinoglenoid notch cyst. The cyst can cause suprascapular nerve compression, resulting in shoulder pain and weakness of external rotation. Their management varies from conservative treatment to operative treatment. Cyst decompression through the labral tear is our preferred treatment. Previous studies demonstrated a good result after arthroscopic decompression of the cyst through the labral tear combined with SLAP repair. Many surgeons usually use 3 portals to perform this procedure. However, we prefer to use only 2 portals, 1 anterior viewing portal and 1 posterior working portal. This strategy is more time and cost efficient. The patient is positioned in lateral decubitus. The SLAP lesion is demonstrated by using a probe. Tissue elevator is inserted into the labral lesion to penetrate into the cyst wall. A soft anchor is placed. A birdbeak suture passer penetrates the posterior labrum. Then knot tying is done. The advantages of this single working portal technique are short operative time, a decreased risk of iatrogenic rotator cuff injury from accessory anterolateral portal or posterior labral injury from posterolateral portal, and avoiding unnecessary superior capsule incision for cyst exposure.

SLAP lesions, An Opinion Piece.

SLAP lesions were first classified by Snyder in 1990. Results of treatment have been controversial without clear consensus. All have agreed that prospective studies would be useful. We conducted such a study between 2008 to 2114 that randomized treatment between sham surgery, biceps tenodesis and labral repair. No significant differences in results between the groups were found. Crossover between groups was only possible from the sham surgery group and this may introduce some degree of bias. However, the six month outcomes between all three groups before any crossover were statistically identical. Our results also do not favor biceps tenodesis versus SLAP repair when surgery is performed. Based on these results we have narrowed our indications for SLAP lesion surgery. We still treat some SLAP lesions surgically and individualize our treatment in each such cases. Most SLAP lesion patients, however, are ultimately treated non-operatively.

Current Concepts in the Evaluation and Management of Type II Superior Labral Lesions of the Shoulder.

Background:Superior labrum tears extending from anterior to posterior (SLAP lesion) are a cause of significant shoulder pain and disability. Management for these lesions is not standardized. There are no clear guidelines for surgical versus non-surgical treatment, and if surgery is pursued there are controversies regarding SLAP repair versus biceps tenotomy/tenodesis.Objective:This paper aims to briefly review the anatomy, classification, mechanisms of injury, and diagnosis of SLAP lesions. Additionally, we will describe our treatment protocol for Type II SLAP lesions based on three groups of patients: throwing athletes, non-throwing athletes, and all other Type II SLAP lesions.Conclusion:The management of SLAP lesions can be divided into 4 broad categories: (1) nonoperative management that includes scapular exercise, restoration of balanced musculature, and that would be expected to provide symptom relief in 2/3 of all patients; (2) patients with a clear traumatic episode and symptoms of instability that should undergo SLAP repair without (age < 40) or with (age > 40) biceps tenotomy or tenodesis; (3) patients with etiology of overuse without instability symptoms should be managed by biceps tenotomy or tenodesis; and (4) throwing athletes that should be in their own category and preferentially managed with rigorous physical therapy centered on hip, core, and scapular exercise in addition to restoration of shoulder motion and rotator cuff balance. Peel-back SLAP repair, Posterior Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament (PIGHL) release, and treatment of the partial infraspinatus tear with debridement, PRP, or (rarely) repair should be reserved for those who fail this rehabilitation program.