Treatment of glenoid, labral, and superior labral tear anterior to posterior lesions

The diagnosis and treatment of superior labral tear anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions in the throwing athlete is a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon. Subtle physical findings often plague the athlete, impeding their ability to participate in their sport. Lack of definitive findings specific to SLAP lesions in the history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests make this entity difficult to diagnose. Although magnetic resonance arthrography shows much promise, diagnostic arthroscopy remains the gold standard for identifying this lesion. The type of lesion identified at the time of arthroscopy determines the treatment. Type I and III SLAP lesions are debrided. Type II lesions and many type IV lesions are repaired. This article reviews the literature and presents the authors' current technique for the treatment of SLAP lesions.