Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) lesions of the shoulder (original) (raw)

Superior Labral Anterior Posterior Lesions of the Shoulder

The Open Orthopaedics Journal, 2013

Superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesion is of fairly recent description and its understanding is rapidly evolving. Its incidence and need for surgical treatment has increased exponentially in line with the increase in shoulder arthroscopies. It is of particular importance in the elite over head athlete and the young. A range of arthroscopic techniques and devices have been described with good functional results. The ability to return to pre injury level of sports remains a concern.

Clinical and Imaging Assessment for Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior Lesions

Current Sports Medicine Reports, 2009

In the evaluation of the painful shoulder, especially in the overhead athlete, diagnosing superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions continues to challenge the clinician because of 1) the lack of specificity of examination tests for SLAP; 2) a paucity of well-controlled studies of those tests; and 3) the presence of coexisting confounding abnormalities. Some evidence indicates that multiple positive tests increase the likelihood that a SLAP lesion is present, but no one physical examination finding conclusively makes that diagnosis. The goals of this article were to review the physical examination techniques for making the diagnosis of SLAP lesions, to evaluate the clinical usefulness of those examinations, and to review the role of magnetic resonance imaging in making the diagnosis.

Physical Examination and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior Lesions of the Shoulder: A Sensitivity Analysis

Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, 2008

The overall purpose of our study was to examine the sensitivity of physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance (MR) arthrogram for the identification of arthroscopically confirmed SLAP lesions of the shoulder. Methods: An analysis of 51 consecutive patients with arthroscopically confirmed SLAP lesions and no history of shoulder dislocation was performed. Before undergoing surgery, all patients underwent a standardized physical examination and had either an MRI and/or MR arthrogram performed. Sensitivity analysis was then performed on the results of both the physical examination maneuvers and the radiologic imaging compared to the arthroscopic findings at surgery. Results: The sensitivity of O'Brien's (active compression) test was 90%, whereas the Mayo (dynamic) shear was 80% and Jobe's relocation test was 76%. The sensitivity of a physical examination with any 1 of these 3 SLAP provocative tests being positive was 100%. Neer's sign (41%) and Hawkin's impingement tests (31%) each had low sensitivity for SLAP lesions. The sensitivity of MRI for SLAP lesions was 67% when interpreted by the performing surgeon, 53% when read by a radiologist. When the MR arthrograms were analyzed alone, the sensitivity was 72% (surgeon) and 50% (radiologist), respectively. Conclusions: All 3 physical examination maneuvers traditionally considered provocative for SLAP pathology (O'Brien's, Mayo shear, and Jobe's relocation) were sensitive for the diagnosis of SLAP lesions. MRI and MR arthrogram imaging had lower sensitivity than these physical examination tests in diagnosing SLAP lesions. Patient history, demographics, and the surgeon's physical examination should remain central to the diagnosis of SLAP lesions. Level of Evidence: Level II, development of diagnostic criteria on basis of consecutive patients with universally applied gold standard.

Arthroscopic Management of Type II Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (Slap) Lesions: Minimum 2-Year Follow Up

ARC Journal of Orthopedics, 2020

Andrews et al. (1) were the first to describe Superior glenoid labrum tears as a source of shoulder pain in the context of the high demand throwing athlete (professional baseball pitchers). The pathology correlated with the immense stress placed on the shoulder and the biceps brachial is muscle during the throwing motion. Snyder et al (2) authored the term Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior (SLAP) tear to depict the pathology of the labrum in overhead tossing competitors. Superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) sores are labral tears that stretch out from the posterior superior labrum, including the long head of the biceps tendon which originates from the glenoid labrum, and halting before the anterior glenoid notch (1). Lesions of the superior glenoid labrum and biceps anchor are a notable reason for shoulder torment (2). Advances in shoulder arthroscopy have prompted improvements in identification and treatment of superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears (3). Abstract

Reliability of magnetic resonance imaging versus arthroscopy for the diagnosis and classification of superior glenoid labrum anterior to posterior lesions

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 2016

Purpose The physical examination of the shoulder is usually not reliable for the true diagnosis of superior glenoid labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been routinely used for the diagnosis. This prospective study investigates the radiological diagnosis of the SLAP lesions and compares accuracy of arthroscopic and MRI classifications. Methods One hundred thirty-two patients with positive physical examination signs using O'Brien, Yergason, resistance supination external rotation and Krank tests and MRI findings are included in the study. Shoulder MRIs were obtained for all patients within three months prior to the surgeries. SLAP lesion is detected in 90 and 102 patients according to MRI and arthroscopy, respectively. Arthroscopic and MRI classifications of the patients were performed according to modified Snyder classification. Results Sensitivity and specificity of the MRI were found as 70.59 and 40%, respectively. No difference was detected between MRI and arthroscopy classifications in 52 (39%) patients. Although the diagnosis was compatible with arthroscopy in 34 (25%) patients, the classification was incompatible. In 46 (34%) of patients the diagnosis was incompatible with the MRI. Conclusion Although MRI is a good diagnostic tool for SLAP lesions, its use for the classification is limited. Level of evidence Level III, Diagnostic study.

Assessment of the superior labrum of the shoulder joint with CT-arthrography and MR-arthrography: correlation with anatomical dissection

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 1998

The ability to detect and categorize SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posteliol-) lesions of the scapular labrum is of practical importance to the orthopedic surgeon and the radiologist. The aim of this study, performed on cadaveric shoulders, was to determine whether CT arthrography or MR arthrography is abIe to show normal anatomical variation of the glenoid labrum and detect labral abnormalities, CT arthrography, MR arthrography followed by anatomical dissection were performed on twenty three fresh frozen cadaveric shoulders and analysed by a radiologist and two orthopaedic surgeons. As Gadolinium intra-articular injection is not allowed in France, we used an iodinated contrast media for both MR arthrography and CT arthrography. In this study, the sensitivity of MR arthrography seemed higher than CT arthrography (respectively 4 and 3 labral lesions diagnosed out of five), although no significant statistical conclusions can be made due to the small number of cases. In conclusion, under such specific conditions, MR arthrography seems to be the method of choice for the detection and classification of labral lesions.