Abstract:
Objective. To review the pathology, evaluation, surgery, rehabilitation, and recovery of a SLAP lesion. Discuss a case study reviewing the process of a SLAP lesion from the time it was first diagnosed until the later stages of rehabilitation.Data Sources. Information was obtained from cross-referencing pertinent articles and books on labral tears or SLAP lesions.Data Synthesis. The clinical presentation of superior labral lesions often includes repetitive overuse in athletes that play over head sports, especially baseball. Labral lesions are associated with complaints of pain and clicking or popping in the shoulder. The diagnosis can be difficult, and often misinterpreted as rotator cuff tendonitis, biceps tendonitis, bursitis, or inflammation of the biceps tendon sheath.Conclusions/Recommendations. Labral tears are a relatively new source of shoulder pain and disability in throwers. Knowledge about a SLAP lesion and the essential components will help in identifying the causes for this particular injury. Labral tears are usually managed with surgery and an extensive rehabilitation program.Key Words: labral tear, biceps tendon, glenohumeral joint.
