Orthopedics Shoulder & Elbow Treatment & Surgery Print 3 Surgical Treatments for a SLAP Tear of the Shoulder Medically reviewed by a board-certified physician Written by twitter linkedin Written by Jonathan Cluett, MD Dr. Jonathan Cluett is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. Learn about our editorial policy Jonathan Cluett, MD Updated on May 19, 2019 DNY59 / Getty Images More in Orthopedics Shoulder & Elbow Treatment & Surgery Shoulder Conditions Elbow Conditions Sprains & Strains Fractures & Broken Bones Physical Therapy Orthopedic Surgery Osteoporosis Pediatric Orthopedics Sports Injuries Hip & Knee Hand & Wrist Leg, Foot & Ankle Assistive Devices & Orthotics Medication & Injections View All Most patients with SLAP tears will respond to conservative (meaning non-surgical) treatments. Any patient with a SLAP tear will be advised to rest after the injury to allow the injured tissue to cool down. A period of rest will allow inflammation to subside and may help to alleviate symptoms. Other treatments that are often used in cases of a SLAP tear include: Physical TherapyAnti-inflammatory MedicationsCortisone Injections In patients who have continued symptoms despite these treatments, arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder may be recommended. There are several specific surgical procedures that may be performed, and it is important to understand that SLAP tears often occur in conjunction with other shoulder problems such as rotator cuff tears, and even shoulder arthritis. In these cases, surgical treatment will have to take into account these factors. Surgery for a SLAP Tear The primary surgical options for the SLAP tear are: Debridement of the SLAP tear: When a SLAP tear is debrided, the torn portion of the labrum is shaved away to leave a smooth edge. This option is only suitable for minor tears that do not involve the biceps tendon. Of the biceps tendon within the shoulder joint, called the biceps anchor, must be stable in order for a debridement surgery to be effective. If the biceps anchor is not secure, simply debriding out the torn portion of the labrum is unlikely to alleviate symptoms of discomfort. Recovery following an isolated debridement is faster than when surgical repair is required.SLAP Repair: A SLAP repair is an arthroscopic procedure that uses sutures to reattach the torn labrum down to the shoulder socket. A SLAP repair is best suited to patients with an otherwise healthy shoulder who want to remain athletically active. During the surgical procedure, your surgeon will use a surgical implant to reattach the damaged labral tissue to the bone of the shoulder socket. The most commonly used device is called a suture anchor. The anchor is seated into the bone, and the sutures are wrapped around the labrum and tied snugly to the bone.Biceps Tenodesis: A biceps tenodesis is a procedure that cuts the biceps tendon from where it attaches to the labrum, and reinserts it in another area. The idea behind a biceps tenodesis is that by decreasing the forces that pull on the SLAP region, the symptoms will be alleviated. A biceps tenodesis is most often performed on patients over 40 years of age or patients with associated biceps tendonitis or tearing. A biceps tenodesis can either be performed arthroscopically, or through a small incision over the top of the shoulder. Determining how to best perform a biceps tenodesis depends primarily on other conditions being treated within the shoulder joint. Results of Surgery The results of different surgical procedures have been reported in a number of scientific studies. The most commonly studied surgical procedure is the SLAP repair. In patients having an arthroscopic SLAP repair using modern suture anchors, better than 90% of patients are found to have good results, and more than 85% of patients are able to return to competitive athletic activities. Risks of surgical treatment include the usual risks of arthroscopic shoulder surgery. These may include infection, stiffness, and weakness of the shoulder. Furthermore, in addition to having a SLAP tear, some patients are found to have other damage within the shoulder joint that may also require treatment. These other problems can affect the recovery of the shoulder from surgery. The Attachment Superior labral tears of the shoulder (SLAP tears) are a common source of shoulder discomfort, especially in athletic people doing overhead activities. Often, a SLAP tear can be managed with nonsurgical treatments, especially in people who do not participate in throwing sports activities. However, when nonsurgical treatment fails to adequately alleviate symptoms of shoulder pain, surgical treatment of the SLAP tear can be considered. There are several surgical options for treatment of a SLAP tear, each with advantages and disadvantages. Performing a right surgery for a given individual can help to ensure a successful treatment outcome. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Dealing with joint pain can cause major disruptions to your day. Sign up and learn how to better take care of your body. Click below and just hit send! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Keener JD, Brophy RH. "Superior labral tears of the shoulder: pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment" J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2009 Oct;17(10):627-37. Continue Reading