J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2017 Oct;52(5):378-384. 10.4055/jkoa.2017.52.5.378.

Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) Lesion with Glenohumeral Instability

• Kim CH
• Wang L

• KMID: 2393509
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2017.52.5.378

Abstract

Role of the superior labrum-biceps complex for the glenohumeral stability is still unclear. Nevertheless, isolated superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion can cause glenohumeral instability in young patient (especially in throwing athletes) and SLAP lesion are a well-known pathology entity in acute or chronic glenohumeral dislocation. Ten types of SLAP lesion have been classified by arthroscopic examination, among them type II and type IV through X SLAP can disturb glenohumeral stability by disrupting the anchoring of biceps. Arthroscopic repair of labrum is the most preferred method for SLAP lesion with glenohumeral instability in younger patient. Surgical treatment, if necessary, should address all aspects of the labral anatomy so that all the roles of the labrum in shoulder stability must be restored. In terms of restoration for glenohumeral instability, the good clinical results have been reported after arthroscopic repair of a SLAP with Bankart lesion. But, it is still a work in progress for long term clinical follow-up and understanding about relationship between SLAP lesion and glenohumeral instability.

Keyword

superior labrum-biceps complex; superior labrum anterior to posterior lesion; glenohumeral instability

MeSH Terms

Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Methods
Pathology
Shoulder
Shoulder Dislocation

Figure

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  Figure 1 A circumferential tear (type IX) of the glenoid labrum in the right shoulder. (A) Posterior labral tear viewed from the anterosuperior portal. (B) Anterior labral tear viewed from the anterosuperior portal. (C) Superior labral tear viewed from the posterior portal. (D) Arthroscopic view of a repaired posterior labral lesion with double horizontal mattress suture. (E) Arthroscopic view of a repaired anterior labral lesion with double horizontal mattress suture. (F) Arthroscopic view of a repaired superior labral lesion a horizontal mattress suture (posterior, anterior and superior order using with 6 anchors; anterior-3, posterior-2, superior-1).

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