SLAP Tear Treatment in Dubai
| Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior Tear

SLAP Tear Treatment in Dubai

A SLAP tear, also known as a Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior tear, is a shoulder injury that damages the superior labrum, a ring of cartilage surrounding the shoulder joint socket.

Symptoms of a SLAP tear

The symptoms of a SLAP tear can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the individual, but common signs and symptoms may include:

Pain: Deep, sharp, aching or throbbing pain in the shoulder, aggravated by certain movements or present at rest or during nighttime.

Weakness: Difficulty with strength-related tasks like lifting heavy objects or performing overhead activities.

Catching or Popping Sensations: Often experienced during certain arm movements.

Decreased Fange of Motion: limitation of shoulder joint movement, especially overhead motions.

Instability: The feeling of the shoulder “slipping” or “catching” during movements, leading to insecurity or lack of confidence in shoulder stability.

Pain with Specific Activities: Discomfort during activities that stress the shoulder joint, such as throwing, lifting, or reaching overhead, and exacerbated by repetitive or prolonged shoulder use in sports or manual labor.

Causes of a SLAP tear

A SLAP tear is typically caused by trauma or repetitive stress on the shoulder joint. Some common causes of a SLAP tear include:

Athletes in sports involving repetitive shoulder movements, such as baseball, tennis, and weightlifting.

Traumatic Injury: Direct blow or trauma to the shoulder from falls, accidents, or sports-related injuries.

Repetitive Overhead Activities: Repetitive motions like throwing, pitching, serving in tennis or volleyball, swimming, or weightlifting.

Age-related Degeneration: Natural degeneration of the labrum and other shoulder joint structures with age.

Overuse or Misuse of the Shoulder: Incorrect or excessive use of the shoulder joint, poor technique in lifting heavy objects, repetitive stress from work-related activities, or inadequate warm-up, stretching, or conditioning during sports or activities.

Anatomical Factors: Anatomical abnormalities like shallow or abnormally shaped glenoid socket, ligament laxity, or other structural abnormalities.

Treatment options for a SLAP tear

The treatment for a SLAP tear depends on various factors including associated injuries or conditions.

Treatment options for a SLAP tear may include:

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment

Rest: Avoiding aggravating activities and providing rest to the affected shoulder.

Physical Therapy: Structured program to improve shoulder stability, strength, and range of motion.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and inflammation.

Activity Modification: Modifying or avoiding aggravating activities.

Ice or Heat Therapy: Applying ice or heat to the shoulder for pain and inflammation management.

Corticosteroid Injections: Temporary pain and inflammation relief in some cases.

Surgical Treatment

Arthroscopic Repair: Minimally invasive surgery using a small camera and specialized instruments to repair or reattach the torn labrum to the glenoid socket, recommended for persistent pain or functional limitations.

Biceps Tenodesis: Reattaching the biceps tendon to another location in the shoulder or removing a portion of the tendon if the biceps tendon is involved or if the tear is not amenable to repair.

Rehabilitation After Surgery: Post-operative physical therapy to gradually restore shoulder function, strength, and range of motion.