SLAP Tear of the Shoulder

A SLAP tear is a specific type of injury to the labrum, or labral tear, SLAP stands for superior labrum from anterior to posterior. The SLAP tear occurs at the point where one of the tendons of the biceps muscle inserts on the labrum.

The injury is to a part of the shoulder joint called the labrum. The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint, similar to the hip joint. However, unlike the hip joint, the socket of the shoulder joint is extremely shallow and thus inherently less stable. This means the shoulder can be prone to dislocation, an injury that occurs when the ball comes out of the socket.

To compensate for the shallow socket, the shoulder joint has a circular rim of cartilage, called a labrum, which forms a cup for the end of the arm bone (humerus) to move within. Essentially the labrum of the shoulder deepens the shoulder socket.

SLAP Tear Symptoms

Typical symptoms of a SLAP tear include a catching sensation and pain with shoulder movements, most often overhead activities such as throwing. Patients usually complain of pain deep within the shoulder or in the back of the shoulder joint.

It is often hard to pinpoint symptoms unless the biceps tendon is also involved. In cases of SLAP tears with associated biceps tendonitis, patients may complain of pain over the front of the shoulder, the location of the biceps tendon.

Causes

A SLAP tear can occur under the following conditions, among others:

• Fall onto an outstretched hand
• Repetitive overhead actions (throwing)
• Lifting a heavy object
• Normal age-related changes

The area of the labrum where the SLAP tear occurs is susceptible to injury or wear and tear because it is an area of relatively poor vascularity.

Diagnosis

Making the diagnosis of a SLAP tear begins with a careful history of the injury. There are many different causes that can lead to pain in a shoulder. Your healthcare provider will be listening for clues in the symptoms you experience that may be indicative of a SLAP tear.

There are several tests a skilled examiner can perform to detect for SLAP tears. These tests are part of a shoulder examination. The most common tests include O'Brien's test (active compression test) and crank test:

• O'Brien's test: With your arm held out in front of you, with your elbow straight, the examiner will apply a downward force at the level of your wrist while you rotate the extremity. Pain experienced with the thumb pointing down (pronation), as opposed to the thumb pointing up (supination), can be indicative of a SLAP tear.
• Crank test: This test is performed with your arm held away from your side. As the examiner applies force towards the body and rotates the arm, the test is considered positive when a 'click' is felt within the shoulder.

Diagnosis of a SLAP tear can be difficult, as these injuries may not show up well on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. SLAP tears tend to be seen best on MRI when the study is performed with an injection of contrast.

A contrast MRI is performed by injecting a fluid called gadolinium into the shoulder; the gadolinium helps to highlight tears of normal structures, including SLAP tears. The sensitivity of an MRI (meaning how accurately the test will reveal a tear), goes up dramatically when gadolinium contrast is injected into the shoulder prior to the MRI.

Not every SLAP tear can be seen on an imaging test. In some cases the diagnosis of a SLAP tear is made during surgery.

Treatment

Treatment of a SLAP tear generally begins with simple steps to alleviate pain and regain strength in the shoulder. Nonsurgical treatments are often recommended for a minimum of three months, since many patients can return to full athletic activities with nonoperative management.

In patients who fail to recover, there are surgical treatment options that can be considered. The most common of these is arthroscopic surgery. Uncommonly, a SLAP tear may lead to secondary problems, such as a cyst, that cause nerve injury and shoulder weakness. In this case, more immediate surgery may be recommended.

A Word From Verywell

A SLAP tear is an injury to the cartilage that surrounds the shoulder joint, which degenerates over time. This part of the cartilage, called the labrum, plays an important role in stabilizing the shoulder joint. It is also the attachment location for one of the biceps tendons within the shoulder.

Injuries to the labrum in this location can cause pain and difficulty with overhead activities. This tends to be a problem in athletes, but it is also commonly found as a result of wear and tear in non-athletes.

Injuries to the labrum in this location can be difficult to diagnose, but some tests can be helpful. Once the injury has been diagnosed, treatment can be targeted to the specific source.