Best Treatment For Shoulder Pain: SLAP Labrum Tear & Repair

A Slapped Shoulder

Shoulders are involved in almost every action, so an injury is not uncommon. Sometimes, shoulder pain can be caused by a tear in the superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP). These tears are an injury to the labrum, a thick ring of tissue on the shoulder joint. The ligament helps keep the joint in place and acts as a shock absorber. Due to sports injuries, falls, accidents, or wear and tear, SLAP injuries can occur.

Symptoms of SLAP

Depending on the severity, SLAP tears cause discomfort and limited movement in the arms and shoulders. A SLAP tear can occur where the biceps tendon anchors to the labrum. So common symptoms include: A painful popping sensation, deep, dull ache in the shoulder, pain when lifting, throwing or raising the damaged arm overhead or grinding or tension with shoulder movement. A doctor must determine the best treatment option, which can include surgery.

A non-surgical approach

A doctor or orthopedic surgeon will use both physical tests and imaging to determine the grade of injury. Type 1 tears happen to older patients with slight tears and fraying of the labrum. Type 2 tears are more common, where the labrum is torn from the shoulder. Both injuries respond well to non-surgical treatment, which is a combination of rest, medication, and physical therapy. For prolonged pain, doctors may recommend corticosteroid injections. With consistency, a non-surgical approach is the best option.

Turning to surgery

Patients with SLAP tears do not respond to conservative treatment in many cases. After months of trying, surgery is the next step. SLAP tears can also be more severe in grades 3 and 4. With these tears, the torn labrum is caught in the shoulder, or the bicep is also impacted. These must be treated immediately. The result could be weakness and loss of function. Surgery helps to reduce pain, restore stability and functionality.

Surgical Treatment

A minimally invasive technique called arthroscopy can help to reattach the damaged labrum to the joint. The surgeon will use 2 or more small incisions to access and repair the joint. One incision contains the arthroscope, which has a camera and light attached. The other incision allows for tools to enter the shoulder. The surgeon removes fragments of tissue and re-attaches the labrum to the bone. After surgery, the shoulder would remain in a sling. A combination of pain management and physical therapy will help with healing, taking as long as 4-6 months.

Choosing the best option

Treatment options ultimately depend on the tear’s type, location, severity. Minor tears respond well to rest, over-the-counter medication, and rehabilitation. In contrast, more severe tears will respond well to surgery. Surgery is beneficial if non-surgical methods fail. Doctors are committed to choosing the best option that benefits the patient’s health and well-being.