Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Lesions Research Articles

3-Tesla T2 Mapping Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Evaluation of SLAP Lesions in Patients with Shoulder Pain: An Arthroscopy-Controlled Study.

This study investigated the ability of T2 mapping to assess the glenoid labrum and to differentiate between healthy labral substances and superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions using arthroscopy as the gold standard. Eighteen patients (mean age: 52.4 ± 14.72 years, 12 men) with shoulder pain were examined using 3-Tesla T2 mapping. All the patients underwent shoulder arthroscopy. Using morphological sequences for correlation, regions of interest covering the entire labral substance were placed in the corresponding T2 maps. The diagnostic cutoff values, sensitivities, and specificities, as well as the inter-reader correlation coefficients (ICCs) determined by two independent radiologists, were calculated. The mean T2 value was 20.8 ± 2.4 ms for the healthy labral substances and 37.7 ± 10.63 ms in the patients with SLAP lesions. The maximum T2 value in normal labrum (21.2 ms) was lower than the minimum T2 value in the patients with SLAP lesions (27.8 ms), leading to sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values of 100% (95% CI 54.1-100.0) for all the cutoff values between 21.2 and 27.8 ms. The ICCs ranged from 0.91 to 0.99. In summary, the data suggest that evaluation and quantification of the labral (ultra)structural integrity using T2 mapping may allow discrimination between arthroscopically confirmed SLAP lesions and a healthy glenoid labrum. T2 mapping may therefore be helpful in diagnosing patients with suspected labral damage.

SLAP lesion type IX: case series and a review of literature.

A type IX SLAP (superior labrum anterior to posterior) lesion involves 360° of the glenohumeral labrum. Only rare reports have been published analyzing the risk factors of this lesion and the success of its arthroscopic management. The aim of our study is to evaluate predisposing factors that lead to SLAP IX and to assess the clinical outcome after arthroscopic treatment. Our treatment algorithm is also presented. We report on a series of six patients treated in our institution between January 2014 and January 2019 who underwent shoulder arthroscopy and were intraoperatively found to have a SLAP lesion type IX. Arthroscopic labral repair and biceps tenodesis were indicated in all patients. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder Score, Rowe Score and Constant Murley Shoulder Score (CS) were used for clinical evaluation. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 12weeks, 1year and 2years postoperatively. We analyzed six patients of which 83% were males (5/6 patients). The average age at the time of surgery was 37.16 (range 30-42years). The dominant arm was affected in 50% of patients (3/6 patients). A significant postoperative improvement was seen in all six patients. 83% (5/6) of patients returned to their pre-injury activity level. Average values of all three measured scores show a significant increase comparing preoperative to postoperative period (P-value < 0.05). All patients were able to return to work. The final diagnosis was established intraoperatively as 83% (5/6) of radiology reports differed from subsequent arthroscopic findings. The mechanism of injury in all our cases was high energy trauma with traction, arm in abduction or anteflexion. We observed great success with arthroscopic treatment as high percentage of our patients returned back to work and sports.

Comparative analysis of superior capsule reconstruction between long head of biceps tendon autograft and human dermis allograft.

Although many superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) techniques are currently practiced in clinical settings, guidelines for choosing the appropriate graft material are lacking. Therefore, at most times, the surgeon's personal preference becomes the deciding factor. This study compared 2 fairly recent SCR techniques-SCR with biceps tendon (BT) autograft and SCR with human dermis (HD) allograft-by evaluating clinical and radiologic outcomes to aid the surgeon's decision in choosing the appropriate graft. Thirty-one patients underwent SCR using BT autograft (SCR BT), and 22 underwent SCR using HD allograft (SCR HD). SCR BT was selected for patients with a partial BT tear <20%, no severe inflammation signs, and favorable anchor conditions. SCR HD was performed in patients with a BT tear >20%, a superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesion, severe inflammation, or subluxation. Range of motion (ROM), strength and shoulder function scoring, plain radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated before and after surgery at regular intervals. In the SCR BT group, forward flexion ROM increased from 122°±43° to 149°±18° at 2 years postoperatively, whereas in the SCR HD group, forward flexion ROM improved from 129°±28° to 149°±18°. In the SCR BT group, internal rotation (IR) ROM increased from 5±3 to 6±2 at 2 years postoperatively, whereas in the SCR HD group, IR ROM improved from 5±3 to 6±1. Although ROM, strength, visual analog scale score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Constant score all improved 2 years after surgery, no statistically significant differences were found. Six months after surgery, graft thickness was 3.58±0.384 mm in the SCR BT group and 2.49±0.326 mm in the SCR HD group (P<.001). At 2 years postoperatively, graft thickness was 3.54±0.399 mm in the SCR BT group and 2.49±0.306 mm in the SCR HD group (P<.001). The SCR HD group showed a negative correlation of -0.475 between graft thickness and IR ROM (P=.026). In the SCR BT group, a negative correlation of -0.466 was found between graft thickness and IR ROM (P=.008). A positive correlation of 0.363 was found between IR ROM and the acromiohumeral distance when the results were compared before and 2 years after surgery (P=.045). Both SCR using BT autograft and SCR using HD allograft tissue showed favorable results, and no significant difference was noted between the 2 techniques. Given that the 2 techniques show equally favorable results, the surgeon's personal preference in choosing the SCR technique appears to be acceptable. Understanding the costs and patient's characteristics may aid the surgeon in deciding on the graft material.

Progress in arthroscopic surgery for injury of superior labrum anterior posterior of shoulder joint

Superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) injury is a major challenge for orthopedic surgeons, due to the poor healing ability of the injured labrum. Although arthroscopic surgery is the gold standard for the treatment of SLAP injury, there are still disputes about the adaptation of different surgical techniques, the choice of anchors during operation, knotted or knotless anchors, and fixation methods. The authors believe that arthroscopic repair of SLAP lesions is effective for young patients with intact glenoid labrum(<35 years old) or with extensive activity, where single and knotless anchor is preferred. For the older patients(≥35 years old) with degeneration and wear of glenoid labrum, biceps tenodesis is more preferable, and interference screw fixation technique is recommended. As for patients with failed SLAP repair, biceps tenodesis can achieve a high success rate as a revision surgery. By review of the relevant literature in recent years, this paper summarizes the adaptation of different surgical methods of arthroscopic treatment of SLAP injury, intraoperative anchoring techniques, fixation methods and other improved surgical techniques.

Current Best Treatment for Superior Labrum, Anterior to Posterior Tears

<h3>Objective(s)</h3> To investigate the current best treatment approach in regards to surgical and non-surgical approaches for Superior Labrum, Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) tears in the young athlete and older working adult population. <h3>Data Sources</h3> Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect were searched for the terms(SLAP repair, biceps tenodesis, SLAP lesion, arthroscopic SLAP repair, and SLAP treatment).The search was limited to articles published between 2017 to present, English language and human participants. <h3>Study Selection</h3> Studies were selected based on approaches to SLAP tear i.e.: conservative rehabilitation, biceps tenodesis, SLAP repair, and combined biceps tenodesis with SLAP repair. From 31 articles that were initially adopted, 23 were selected and included in our review. <h3>Data Extraction</h3> Three reviewers independently reviewed each article and noted information provided in each article. The information included treatment methods (surgical vs rehabilitative) as well as differences in surgical approaches, return to play after various treatment methods, and cost analysis of various surgical approaches. <h3>Data Synthesis</h3> Individuals older than 35-40 with biceps tenodesis have lower risks of complications and revisions, decreased stiffness, less pain, and higher satisfaction rates with BT. SLAP repairs show better outcomes with younger athletes, SLAP repair in overhead athletes often leds to additional surgeries. However, no significant differences were found between the SLAP repair and BT for the overhead athletes. A combined SLAP repair and BT approach has shown the worst outcomes with less mobility, lower outcome measure scores, and increased pain. A conservative approach for 3 to 6 months however, is recommended before surgical options are considered. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Based on the current evidence, it appears that BT is an optimal choice for younger, less competitive athletes, as well as those individuals above the age of 35. Less favorable outcomes have been reported with the BT approach for competitive athletes and baseball pitchers; therefore, the healthcare team must work closely to determine the next best option on an individual basis. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> There are no conflict of interest associated with this study for any of the authors.

Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis: The Best of Both Worlds

AbstractBiceps tendinopathy and superior labrum anterior posterior lesions are a common source of shoulder pain and disability and can be effectively treated with biceps tenodesis. There are a variety of open and arthroscopic tenodesis techniques, but no one technique has demonstrated superiority. Arthroscopic techniques often disregard the extra-articular portions of the biceps tendon as a potential source of pain. Open techniques address this concern; however, they can be associated with wound complications, increased blood loss, nerve injury, and disruptions to surgical workflow. Here, we describe an all arthroscopic tenodesis technique at the suprapectoral zone of the tendon. This method addresses extra-articular sources of pain, while limiting the potential pitfalls of open surgery.

Combined Bankart and SLAP repair: patient-reported outcome measurements after a minimum 5-year follow-up.

Anterior shoulder instability is typically characterized by detachment of the anteroinferior labrum (Bankart lesion). Some patients also sustain a superior labrum anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) injury. The purpose of this study was to compare the medium-term clinical results of isolated anterior Bankart repairs (ABR) with those of combined Bankart and SLAP repair (ABR + SLAP). Data on all patients treated surgically for recurrent anterior shoulder instability between 2006 and 2011 were retrospectively collected from medical charts. The minimum follow-up was 5years. Patients were interviewed to assess patient-reported outcome measurements (PROM) as determined by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES), the Subjective Shoulder Score (SSV), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (DASH), as well as their quality of life (QOL: SF12 questionnaire). Information on complications, re-operations, and recurrent instability was recorded and evaluated as well. A total of 150 patients (88% males) with a mean age 23.7years (range 15-40) were included. Forty-two patients following ABR + SLAP repair were compared to 108 patients following ABR alone, with a mean follow-up of 7.8years (range 5-10.7). The rate of re-dislocation was similar in both groups (26% for ABR + SLAP vs 20% for ABR, p = .44). There were no significant differences in functional outcome between the ABR + SLAP and the ABR alone groups (SSV 86.7 vs 86.5, p = .93, ASES 89.6 vs 86.5, p = .11, and DASH 4.9 vs 7, p = .17), or in QOL outcome (SF12 physical 95.6 vs 93.3, p = .27, SF12 mental 84.4 vs 85.7, p = .63). Surgical repair for anterior shoulder instability and a coexisting SLAP lesion yields clinical results as good as those of isolated ABR, as evidenced by similar PROM and re-dislocation rates after medium-term follow-up. III.

Physical Examination Maneuvers for SLAP Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Individual and Combinations of Maneuvers

Background: Superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions are targeted on physical examination using a variety of provocative maneuvers. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to conduct a systematic review on the performance of physical examination maneuvers in diagnosing SLAP lesions and to perform a meta-analysis comparing the sensitivity and specificity of these examinations both individually and in combination. The null hypothesis stated that there would be no significant difference in the sensitivity or specificity of the included physical examination tests, neither individually nor in combination. Study Design: Meta-analysis and systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review was performed with the inclusion criteria of studies that reported either the sensitivities and specificities or the number of true-positive, true-negative, false-positive, or false-negative results for at least 1 maneuver for identifying SLAP lesions. A meta-analysis was performed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of individual maneuvers. Additional analysis determined the performance of these maneuvers when combined in series and parallel. In series, all must be present to be considered positive. In parallel, any single positive test forces the overall combination to be considered positive. Only tests that were included in ≥3 studies were considered in the meta-analysis and those included in ≥4 studies were considered in the combination analysis. Results: Overall, 862 studies were identified, 18 of which were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The physical examinations included were the O’Brien (n = 16), speed (n = 8), Yergason (n = 6), anterior slide (n = 8), crank (n = 7), Jobe (n = 5), dynamic labral shear (n = 3), Kim 2 (n = 3), and biceps groove tenderness tests (n = 3). All combinations of 2 to 5 maneuvers in both series and parallel were considered. The O’Brien and crank test combination was the most sensitive 2-test combination in both parallel and series. The Yergason and anterior slide test combination was the most specific 2-test combination in parallel and series. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis reports an updated meta-analysis considering the sensitivity and specificity of common physical examination maneuvers used in the diagnosis of SLAP lesions and considers these values for tests in both series and parallel combinations. The present analysis demonstrates improved specificities when tests are considered in series and improved sensitivities when considered in parallel combination.

SLAP Repair Versus Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis for Isolated SLAP Type 2 Lesions in Overhead Athletes Younger Than 35 Years: Comparison of Minimum 2-Year Outcomes.

Background:It remains unclear if young overhead athletes with isolated superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) type 2 lesions benefit more from SLAP repair or subpectoral biceps tenodesis.Purpose:To evaluate clinical outcomes and return to sport in overhead athletes with symptomatic SLAP type 2 lesions who underwent either biceps tenodesis or SLAP repair.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed in patients who underwent subpectoral biceps tenodesis (n = 14) or SLAP repair (n = 24) for the treatment of isolated type 2 SLAP lesions. All patients were aged <35 years at time of surgery, participated in overhead sports, and were at least 2 years out from surgery. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score; Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) score; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score; and the 12-Item Short Form (SF-12) physical component score. Return to sport and patient satisfaction were documented. Clinical failures requiring revision surgery and complications were reported.Results:Preoperative baseline scores in both the tenodesis and SLAP repair groups were similar. There were no significant differences between the groups on any postoperative outcome measure: For biceps tenodesis versus SLAP repair, the ASES score was 92.7 ± 10.4 versus 89.1 ± 16.7, the SANE score was 86.2 ± 13.7 versus 83.0 ± 24.1, the QuickDASH score was 10.0 ± 12.7 versus 9.0 ± 14.3, and SF-12 was 51.2 ± 7.5 versus 52.8 ± 7.7. No group difference in return-to-sports rate (85% vs 79%; P = .640) was noted. More patients in the tenodesis group (80%) reported modifying their sporting/recreational activity postoperatively because of weakness compared with patients in the SLAP repair group (15%; P = .022). One patient in each group progressed to surgery for persistent postoperative stiffness, and 1 patient in the tenodesis group had a postoperative complication related to the index surgery.Conclusion:Both subpectoral biceps tenodesis and SLAP repair provided excellent clinical results for the treatment of isolated SLAP type 2 lesions, with a high rate of return to overhead sports and a low failure rate, in a young and high-demanding patient cohort. More patients reported modifying their sporting/recreational activity because of weakness after subpectoral tenodesis.

Postoperative Pain and Paresthesia in Labral Repairs of the Shoulder: Location Does Matter.

Background:Favorable outcomes have been reported regarding postoperative shoulder pain and function after repair of anteroinferior (Bankart) glenohumeral labral tears. However, the outcomes of patients after repair of isolated superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears are a contentious topic. The authors have also anecdotally noted that patients evaluated with labral tears complained of numbness and tingling in their ipsilateral hand.Purpose:To determine if there is a difference in the temporal outcomes of shoulder pain and hand paresthesia in patients with SLAP tears versus Bankart tears after arthroscopic repair.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Included were 66 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic labral repair at a single institution between August 2018 and February 2021. The prevalence and magnitude of shoulder pain as well as numbness and tingling of the hand were assessed using questions from the L’Insalata Shoulder Questionnaire and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire preoperatively and at 1 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months after surgery.Results:Preoperatively, patients with SLAP lesions reported a higher prevalence of shoulder pain during sleep compared with those with Bankart tears (P < .05). Postoperatively, patients who underwent SLAP repair reported a larger proportion and more severe magnitude of shoulder pain during rest, overhead activities, and sleep compared with those who underwent Bankart repair (P < .05). Only patients who underwent Bankart repair reported improvements in the prevalence and magnitude of their shoulder pain during rest, overhead activities, and sleep by 6 months postoperatively compared with preoperative levels (P < .05). Preoperatively, 30% of patients with Bankart repairs and 40% of patients with SLAP repairs reported hand tingling, while 35% and 50%, respectively, reported hand numbness. The prevalence and magnitude of hand tingling and numbness were not significantly different between groups at any time point.Conclusion:Study results indicated that patients who underwent SLAP repair experienced worse shoulder pain outcomes compared with those who underwent Bankart repair using the same anchor and surgical technique. Only patients who underwent Bankart repair reported improvements in their hand numbness after surgery. Therefore, labral tear location does matter with respect to shoulder pain and hand numbness.

Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Clinical Exam Techniques

Background: Superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions are prevalent in athletes and the elderly. Therefore, acquiring accurate diagnoses is beneficial for improvement in return to play for athletes and quality of life. A well-done clinical examination can help detect these lesions leading to an early and accurate diagnosis. Indications: Being able to perform a clinical examination for diagnosing SLAP lesions is an important tool for a doctor to know. Currently, there is not a centralized location with published videos that show how to perform these examinations and describe their attributes. This video helps clinicians quickly ascertain how to perform these examinations and learn about the statistical measures associated with them. Technique Description: The 7 exams shown are as follows: modified dynamic labral shear (DLS) test, speed’s test, active compression test (O’Brien test), anterior slide test, crank test, Kim test, and the Jerk test. Results: These tests have a wide variety of statistical measures making different ones useful for specific results such as ruling in or ruling out labral lesions. The tests with the highest sensitivity are the modified dynamic labral shear test (72%) and Kim test (61%-92%). The tests with the highest specificity are the modified dynamic labral shear test (98%), anterior slide test (81%-89%), Kim test (88%-99%), and the Jerk test (94%-99%). All of these have a 95% confidence interval except DLS test. Discussion/Conclusions: Some of these tests are more reliable than others when diagnosing labral lesions. Since the dynamic labral shear test and Kim test have the highest sensitivity, they are the most useful tests at ruling out labral lesions. These tests along with the anterior slide test and the Jerk test are the most useful for ruling in labral lesions due to their high specificity. Even though these tests have been proven to be more reliable than others, it still matters which tests the doctors feel comfortable performing accurately for them to use in the clinical setting.

Comparison of labral repair and biceps tenodesis concomitant with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients between the age of 40 and 60

Aim: Superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions are frequently accompanied by rotator cuff tear (RCT). The optimal treatment for type 2 and 4 SLAP lesions with RCT were not established. We aimed to compare the clinical results of SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis (BT) concomitant with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) in patients between 40 and 60 years old. &#x0D; Material and Method: Forthy three patients (16 male, 27 females) who received ARCR concomitant with SLAP repair or BT for full-thickness rotator cuff tear were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into the two groups based on treatment methods (SLAP repair, Group 1, 20 patients), (BT, Group 2, 23 patients). American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, visual analogue scale scores (VASs), and range of motion (ROM) values were used as outcome tools. &#x0D; Results: The mean age of the patients was 48.8±5.03 years. There was no difference in preoperative shoulder and pain scores (P

The middle glenohumeral ligament: a classification based on arthroscopic evaluation.

Although middle glenohumeral ligament (MGHL) variations have been shown in the literature, their clinical effect and relationship with intra-articular pathologies have yet to be revealed, except for the Buford complex. This study was designed to classify MGHL and to reveal its relationship with clinical pathologies. A total of 843 consecutive shoulder arthroscopies were evaluated retrospectively, and a classification system was proposed for MGHL with regard to its structure and its relation to the anterior labrum. The associations of each MGHL type with superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions, subscapularis tears, and anterior instability were investigated. MGHL variations were grouped into 6 types according to the classification. A significant difference in favor of type 6 MGHL (Buford complex) was observed in the distribution of SLAP lesions (P < .001). There was no significant difference between MGHL types and the distribution of anterior instability history (P = .131) and subscapularis tears (P = .324). SLAP lesions accompany type 6 MGHLs (Buford complex) significantly more frequently than other types. There is also a negative relation between the anterior instability and thicker MGHL variants.

Research progress on the relationship between shoulder instability and superior labrum anterior posterior lesion

To summarize the relationship between shoulder instability and superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesion. The characteristics of shoulder instability and SLAP lesion were analyzed, and the relationship between them in pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, and biomechanics was discussed by referring to relevant domestic and foreign literature. Shoulder instability and SLAP lesion can occur both spontaneously and respectively. SLAP lesion destroys the superior labrum integrity and the long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) insertion, causing excessive humeral head displacement against glenoid, and leading to shoulder instability. While chronic repetitive or acute high-energy traumatic shoulder instability can in turn aggravate SLAP lesion, resulting in expansion and increased degree of the original lesion. SLAP lesion destroys mechanisms of shoulder stability, while shoulder instability causes tears of the upper labrum and the LHBT, showing a connection between shoulder instability and SLAP lesion. However, the existing evidence can only demonstrate that shoulder instability and SLAP lesion induce and promote the development of each other, instead of a necessary and sufficient condition. Therefore, the specific causal relationship between the two remains unknown and needs to be further studied.

3D imaging has good specificity but poor sensitivity for the diagnosis of pathologies of the long head of the biceps: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To systematically review and meta-analyse the literature to determine which three-dimensional (3D) imaging modality provides the best diagnostic accuracy to detect pathologies of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). A search was performed on PubMed, Embase®, and Cochrane. Studies that compared the diagnostic accuracy of 3D imaging modalities versus arthroscopy for the assessment of LHBT pathologies were included. Studies assessing superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions were excluded. Fifteen studies were included; nine were eligible for meta-analysis. Six studies on instability indicated a sensitivity of 0.68 (CI 0.46-0.84) and specificity of 0.76 (CI 0.68-0.82). Four studies on full-thickness tears indicated a sensitivity of 0.56 (CI 0.28-0.81) and specificity of 0.97 (CI 0.93-0.99). Four studies on partial-thickness tears indicated a sensitivity of 0.52 (CI 0.20-0.82) and specificity of 0.64 (CI 0.25-0.91). Two studies on any tear indicated a sensitivity of 0.58 (CI 0.28-0.83) and specificity of 0.99 (CI 0.93-1.00). Only one study on other pathologies indicated a sensitivity of 0.61 and specificity of 0.84. To diagnose LHBT pathologies, 3D imaging modalities overall have low-to-moderate sensitivity, but high-to-excellent specificity. The consistency in reported sensitivity is generally poor, while the consistency and reported specificity is good for the detection of instability, full-thickness tears and any tear, but poor for the detection of partial-thickness tears. 3D imaging may be adequate to rule out LHBT pathologies, but are not sufficiently reliable to confirm the presence of such pathologies. III.

Biceps Tenodesis as an Attractive Alternative to Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior (SLAP) Repair for Type II SLAP Lesions in Active-Duty Military Patients Younger Than 35 Years

Background: Biceps tenodesis has been suggested as a superior surgical technique compared with isolated labral repair for superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears in patients older than 35 years. The superiority of this procedure in younger patients, however, is yet to be determined. Purpose: To compare the outcomes of arthroscopic SLAP repair with those of arthroscopic-assisted subpectoral biceps tenodesis for type II SLAP tears in active-duty military patients younger than 35 years. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Preoperative and postoperative evaluations with a minimum 5-year follow-up including the visual analog scale (VAS), the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score were administered, and scores were compared between 2 groups of patients younger than 35 years. One group included 25 patients who underwent SLAP repair, and the second group included 23 patients who underwent arthroscopic-assisted subpectoral biceps tenodesis. Results: The preoperative patient age (P = .3639), forward flexion (P = .8214), external rotation (P = .5134), VAS pain score (P = .4487), SANE score (P = .6614), and ASES score (P = .6519) did not vary significantly between the 2 study groups. Both groups demonstrated statistically significant increases in function as measured by the ASES and SANE and decreases in pain as measured by the VAS at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively. Also at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively, patients in the tenodesis group had lower pain (1.3 vs 2.6, respectively; P = .0358) and higher SANE (84.0 vs 63.3, respectively; P = .0001) and ASES (85.7 vs 75.4, respectively; P = .0342) scores compared with those in the repair group. Failure rate was 20.0% in the repair group versus 0.0% in the tenodesis group (P = .0234). Conclusion: Active-duty military patients younger than 35 years with type II SLAP tears had more predictable improvement in pain, better functional outcomes, and lower failure rates after biceps tenodesis compared with SLAP repair for type II SLAP tears. Overall, the results of this study indicate that arthroscopic- assisted subpectoral biceps tenodesis is superior to arthroscopic SLAP repair for the treatment of type II SLAP tears in military patients younger than 35 years.

Arthroscopic evaluation of failed primary type II SLAP lesion repair in patients with high physical activity over 40 years of age and the outcomes of tenotomy.

Objectives In this study, we aimed to examine patients over 40 years of age who underwent failed primary isolated type 2 superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) repair arthroscopically and to evaluate the outcomes of tenotomy.Patients and methods Between March 2011 and December 2019, a total of 32 patients (19 males, 13 females; median age: 55.1 years; range, 41 to 59 years) who underwent primary repair for SLAP due to high activity levels and in whom the treatment failed were retrospectively analyzed. Biceps tenotomy was applied to all patients. The Constant-Murley Score (CMS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, and muscle strength before and after re-arthroscopy were compared.Results The median follow-up time was 27 (9-84) months after biceps tenotomy. During arthroscopy, failure was detected in three (9.37%) patients and additional pathologies were detected in five (15.62%) patients. Patients with biceps tenosynovitis were 29 (90.62%). The mean pre- and postoperative CMS scores were 40.5±11.1 and 86.3±8.1, respectively (p<0.001). The mean pre- and postoperative VAS-pain scores were 7.3±1.5 and 2.1±0.8, respectively (p<0.001).Conclusion Although the primary repair technique has been successfully performed in patients with SLAP lesions over 40 years of age and high physical activity, the clinical outcomes are unsatisfactory. Biceps tenotomy improves functional and clinical results in patients with SLAP lesions who do not benefit from primary repair.

Trans-cuff portals heal by 6 weeks: an ultrasonography-based study.

BackgroundVarious arthroscopic portals have been described for repair of superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions. The difficulty in doing repair through the rotator interval and the problems in direction and placement of anchors still persist. Functional outcomes of the patients after treating them using trans-cuff portal are well established in literature, but the actual healing of the portal is not clear. We made a sincere effort to identify healing of the trans-cuff portal with ultrasound guidance and functional outcome using American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES score), Constant Shoulder Score, and Oxford Shoulder Score.Material and methodsTwenty-two patients with SLAP or labral tears and normal contralateral shoulders were included. Surgery was performed using the trans-cuff portal as a viewing or working portal for biceps repair and labral repair. Rehabilitation was initiated from day 1 and followed up on 6 weeks, 3 months and, 6 months with a maximum follow-up duration of 2 years. Ultrasound was used to measure the depth of healing and graded at 6 weeks of follow-up postoperatively. Functional outcomes were measured using ASES score, Constant Shoulder Score, and Oxford Shoulder Score measured at 6 months.ResultsSeventeen patients were of grade 1 (complete healing); 1 patient was of grade 2 (more than 50% healing); 1 of grade 3 (less than 50% healing), and 3 were lost to follow-up. Fourteen patients out of 19 had excellent ASES scores, 4 patients had good scores, and 1 patient was considered as poor with an average ASES score of 84.51 (range 93-48) and standard deviation of 10.37. The ASES score indicated that healing of the rotator cuff portal is directly related to the functional outcome of the shoulder. The Constant Shoulder Score and Oxford Shoulder Score on the contrary were statistically not significant indicating no relation of the Oxford and Constant scores with healing of the rotator cuff portals.ConclusionTrans-cuff portal is safe, gives proper angle for insertion of anchors, and can be used for repair of SLAP lesions with ease. Ultrasonography helps in confirming the healing of portal.

Posterior repair of isolated type 2 superior labrum anterior-posterior lesion prevents external rotation deficiency: long-term outcome study.

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic type 2 superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesion repair in the general population and compare clinical outcomes according to patient age and repair site. Between 2005 and 2018, patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for isolated type 2 SLAP lesions were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline characteristics, pre- and postoperative [1-year and > 2-year (final)] shoulder range-of-motion, and functional scores, comprising the pain visual analogue scale (PVAS), functional VAS, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, were evaluated. Return to overhead activities and subjective satisfaction were assessed at the final follow-up, and patients were divided by age [group YB (< 40years] and group OB (≥ 40years)] and repair site [group P (only posterior labrum repair) and group AP (anterior and posterior labrum repair)]. Overall patient outcomes were analysed and compared between groups. This study included 54 patients (45 men) with a mean age of 37.1 ± 8.3years. The mean follow-up was 90.8 ± 51.3months. Two patients experienced early failure, and one patient had a ruptured biceps tendon during the follow-up period. Final functional scores improved compared to their preoperative scores in all patients, except three (all p < 0.001). Fifty patients (98.0%) were satisfied, and 39 patients (76.5%) were able to perform overhead sports without restriction. In 25 patients who attended more than 7years of follow-up (mean, 11.3 ± 2.7years), 21 patients (84%) had an ASES score ≥ 80, and all patients had PVAS ≤ 2. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between groups YB and OB. The final median external rotation was significantly more restricted in group AP than in group P (40 [25-65] vs. 60 [50-70], p = 0.002). Arthroscopic type 2 SLAP repair induced good short- and long-term clinical outcomes, return to overhead activities, and subjective satisfaction in the general population, regardless of age, due to the careful evaluation of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies. However, performing only posterior repair seems sufficient since anterior labral SLAP lesion repair can limit ER. Isolated type 2 SLAP lesion posterior repair only is, thus, recommended to reduce external rotation deficit risk and increase satisfaction, regardless of patient age. Case series. Level IV.

Surgical Management of Superior Labral Tears in Athletes: Focus on Biceps Tenodesis

Superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions are common in overhead athletes. Though some patients have asymptomatic lesions, many tears cause pain and diminished athletic performance. Accurate diagnosis of SLAP lesions can be challenging as the sensitivity and specificity of both the physical exam and advanced imaging is questionable. Management is also difficult, as treatment can be life-altering or career-ending for many athletes. If first-line nonoperative treatment fails, surgical options may be considered. The optimal surgical management of SLAP lesions in athletes is debated. Historically, return to play (RTP) rates among athletes who have undergone arthroscopic SLAP repair have been unsatisfactory, prompting clinicians to seek alternate surgical options. Biceps tenodesis (BT) has been postulated to eliminate biceps tendon-related pain in the shoulder and is increasingly used as a primary procedure for SLAP lesions. The purpose of this text is to review the current literature on the surgical management of SLAP lesions in athletes with an emphasis on the role of BT.