At Shoreline Orthopaedics, our orthopaedic surgeons use a truly collaborative approach so our patients have the benefit of multiple expert opinions, without having to go elsewhere to obtain them.
Shoreline Orthopaedics provides more comprehensive services, state-of-the-art options, technologies and techniques than anyone else in the area.
The following information is provided to help you understand what you can expect from us regarding policies and procedures, and also what is expected of you before and after treatment or procedures.
The following information is provided to help you gain a better understanding of anatomy, terminology, certain orthopaedic procedures, and more. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your physician.
The shoulder is a complex, ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and collarbone (clavicle). The ball, or head, of the upper arm bone fits into a rounded socket in the shoulder blade called the glenoid.
Surrounding the outside edge of the glenoid is a rim of cartilage (labrum) that helps to deepen the shoulder socket and stabilize the shoulder joint. The labrum also serves as an attachment point for many of the shoulder ligaments, as well as one of the tendons from the biceps muscle in the arm.
A SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) tear is an injury to the top (or superior) part of the labrum.
The common symptoms of a SLAP tear are similar to many other shoulder problems. They include:
SLAP tears can be the result of acute trauma, and those who participate in repetitive overhead sports, such as throwing athletes or weightlifters, have an increased risk of injury to the superior labrum. Many SLAP tears are the result of a wearing down of the labrum that occurs slowly over time. In patients over 40 years of age, tearing or fraying of the superior labrum can be seen as a normal process of aging.
Other common causes include:
If symptoms are not relieved by medication and physical therapy, your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend surgery. Shoulder arthroscopy (also known as minimally invasive surgery), is the most commonly used surgical technique for repairing a SLAP injury.
With any surgery there are some risks, and these vary from person to person. Complications are typically minor, treatable and unlikely to affect your final outcome. Your orthopaedic surgeon will speak to you prior to surgery to explain any potential risks and complications that may be associated with your procedure.
VIDEO: Throwing Injuries with Kirk Cousins & Dr. Bruce Stewart, Holland Hospital Sports Medicine