Review
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World J Orthop. Jul 18, 2014; 5(3): 344-350
Published online Jul 18, 2014. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v5.i3.344
Superior labrum anterior to posterior lesions of the shoulder: Diagnosis and arthroscopic management
Nuri Aydin, Evrim Sirin, Alp Arya
Nuri Aydin, Alp Arya, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, University of Istanbul, 34116 Istanbul, Turkey
Evrim Sirin, FSM Research and Teaching Hospital, Turkish Ministy of Health, 34400 Istanbul, Turkey
Author contributions: Aydin N contributed to writing the treatment section, total revision of the written manuscript; Sirin E contributed to writing the introduction and anatomy section of the manuscript; Arya A contributed to writing imaging and revising the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Nuri Aydin, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, University of Istanbul, I.U. Cerrahpasa Tip Fakultesi, Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji AD, K.M.P, 34116 Istanbul, Turkey. nuri.aydin@istanbul.edu.tr
Telephone: +90-532-5986232
Received: December 27, 2013
Revised: March 25, 2014
Accepted: April 3, 2014
Published online: July 18, 2014
Processing time: 204 Days and 6.7 Hours
Abstract

After the improvement in arthroscopic shoulder surgery, superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears are increasingly recognized and treated in persons with excessive overhead activities like throwers. Several potential mechanisms for the pathophysiology of superior labral tears have been proposed. The diagnosis of this condition can be possible by history, physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging combination. The treatment of type 1 SLAP tears in many cases especially in older patients is non-operative but some cases need arthroscopic intervention. The arthroscopic management of type 2 lesions in older patients can be biceps tenodesis, but young and active patients like throwers will need an arthroscopic repair. The results of arthroscopic repair in older patients are not encouraging. The purpose of this study is to perform an overview of the diagnosis of the SLAP tears and to help decision making for the surgical management.

Keywords: Superior labrum anterior to posterior tear; Glenoid labrum; Arthroscopy; Repair; Shoulder

Core tip: The arthroscopic management of type 2 lesions in older patients can be biceps tenodesis, but young and active patients like throwers will need and arthroscopic repair.