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SLAP and Biceps Pathology

Superior labral (SLAP) tears and disorders of the long head of biceps — assessment and treatment.

Overview

Primary biceps tenodesis has emerged as a definitive alternative to primary SLAP repair for type II and IV lesions, offering superior functional outcomes in active patients under 30 years of age [3]. In this demographic, tenodesis may facilitate earlier return to activity compared to repair [4] and serves as a reliable alternative to arthroscopic reinsertion for isolated type II tears [5, 7]. For middle-aged patients, primary tenodesis demonstrates increased effectiveness over both SLAP repair and nonoperative treatment, while also incurring lower costs [11]. Even in patients aged ≤50 years with isolated SLAP tears, open tenodesis provides cost savings over arthroscopic methods [41].

Biceps tenodesis is a safe, effective, and technically straightforward intervention for symptomatic SLAP lesions, with recent data reporting high rates of return to sport and patient satisfaction in carefully selected athletes [6, 14]. Female patients undergoing either SLAP repair or biceps tenodesis show comparable two-year results regarding function, pain, and return to sports [16]. While both arthroscopic repair and tenodesis/tendonectomy interventions offer benefits for type II SLAP lesions [9], the choice between them involves specific advantages and disadvantages that must be individualized with the patient [19]. Furthermore, subpectoral tenodesis serves as a salvage procedure for failed type II SLAP repair, demonstrating improved results in this setting [1].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Osseous and Labral Morphology: The human glenoid labrum exhibits compressive behavior that varies around its circumference [29]. The sub-supraspinatus recess is a definable anatomic entity typically measuring 5 mm to 10 mm in depth [30]. Patients older than 50 years were significantly more likely to have superior labral abnormalities regardless of other shoulder injury or disease [18]. Isolated tears of the anterosuperior labrum represent a subtle cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction that is very difficult to diagnose clinically [64].

Kinematics and Biomechanics: The posterosuperior labrum exhibits physiological motion (roll back) during glenohumeral motion, most pronounced in external rotation in abduction [30]. Simulated Type II Superior Labral Anterior Posterior Lesions do not alter the path of glenohumeral articulation [43]. The small amounts of increased external rotation and translation found with arthroscopically created type II superior labral anterior posterior lesions do not significantly affect glenohumeral kinematics in this passive motion model as quantified by the path of glenohumeral articulation [43]. In shoulders with a SLAP lesion there is a trend towards delay in activation time of Biceps and other muscles with the exception of an associated earlier onset of activation of Serratus anterior [46]. SLAP lesions lead to increased glenohumeral translation and concurrently LHB tension and load in at most anterior direction [49]. All 3 labral zones assessed have important biomechanical contributions to biceps anchor displacement [39]. Repair of the labrum restored stability for superior subluxation but also changed the kinematics of the subluxation event [61].

Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentation: SLAP lesions may mimic impingement, rotator cuff pathology, or anterior instability [23]. The PPS injury produces alterations in GH kinematics with implications for GH joint instability, increased GH joint loading, and potential joint damage [33].

Classification

Snyder: The Snyder classification is a reliable system for identifying SLAP lesions among experienced shoulder surgeons [27]. Repair of type IV SLAP lesions can be anticipated to be successful provided no more than 30% of the biceps root is compromised by the injury [25]. Arthroscopic repair is an effective technique for managing combined anterior shoulder instability and type IV SLAP lesions by repairing all pathoanatomy present, including the superior labrum and biceps tendon split [8].

Other Considerations: Biceps tenodesis is a safe, effective, and technically straightforward alternative to primary SLAP repair in patients with type II and IV SLAP tears [6]. Subpectoral biceps tenodesis provides satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of Type II and Type IV SLAP lesions in middle-aged patients [10]. Biceps tenodesis for the treatment of Type II and Type IV SLAP repairs results in a significant decrease in pain and increase in shoulder function [26]. In a young active population, biceps tenodesis may be a viable surgical alternative for type II SLAP lesions and may facilitate earlier return to activity compared to repair [4]. In patients under the age of 30 years with a symptomatic isolated SLAP tear, open subpectoral biceps tenodesis may be a reliable alternative to arthroscopic repair [5]. Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis can be considered an effective alternative to reinsertion in the treatment of isolated type II SLAP lesions [7]. Patients who undergo subpectoral biceps tenodesis as a salvage procedure for failed type II SLAP repair demonstrate improved results [1]. Both arthroscopic repair and biceps tenotomy and tenodesis interventions had benefits in type II SLAP lesions [9]. Biceps tenotomy and rotator cuff repair may be a more reliable method to address concomitant type II SLAP lesions and large to massive rotator cuff tears in patients [12]. If calcific tendinitis of the long head of the biceps brachii at its origin is suspected, it may be helpful to consider the presence of a concurrent SLAP lesion and its management [2].

Clinical Presentation

Diagnosing superior labrum and biceps anchor disorders requires a nuanced approach, as the current literature and practice for making the SLAP diagnosis remain variable and inconsistent [31]. Clinical assessment tests alone are insufficient to justify surgical intervention for a suspected SLAP lesion [13]. Furthermore, SLAP lesions frequently mimic other pathologies, including impingement, rotator cuff pathology, or anterior instability [23].

Pathoanatomy and Variants: Calcific tendinitis of the long head of the biceps brachii at its origin may be associated with a concurrent SLAP lesion [2]. Superior glenoid rim fractures involving the biceps anchor are extremely rare and represent a bony variant within the spectrum of SLAP lesions [17]. The concomitant presence of SLAP and pulley lesions is significantly rare, occurring in only about 10% of all patients with SLAP and pulley lesions [15].

Diagnostic Consensus: An evidence-based, updated, and consensus statement on the pathoanatomy and diagnosis of clinically relevant superior labrum and biceps anchor disorders has been provided by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons SLAP/Biceps Anchor Study Group [21].

Management Outcomes and Indications: Outcomes following surgical treatment of SLAP lesions vary depending on the method of treatment, associated pathology, and patient characteristics [34]. Primary biceps tenodesis provides improved functional results in active patients under 30 years old compared to SLAP repair at minimum 2-year follow-up [3]. In a young active population, biceps tenodesis may facilitate earlier return to activity compared to repair for type II SLAP lesions [4]. Open subpectoral biceps tenodesis may be a reliable alternative to arthroscopic repair for symptomatic isolated SLAP tears in patients under 30 years of age [5]. Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis can be considered an effective alternative to reinsertion for isolated type II SLAP lesions [7]. Subpectoral biceps tenodesis provides satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of Type II and Type IV SLAP lesions in middle-aged patients [10]. Biceps tenotomy and rotator cuff repair may be a more reliable method to address concomitant type II SLAP lesions and large to massive rotator cuff tears [12]. Subpectoral biceps tenodesis as a salvage procedure for failed type II SLAP repair demonstrates improved results [1]. An effective arthroscopic technique exists for managing combined anterior shoulder instability and type IV SLAP lesions by repairing all pathoanatomy present, including the superior labrum and biceps tendon split [8]. Biceps tenodesis has been increasingly used for the management of SLAP lesions, with recent studies reporting high rates of return to sport, high satisfaction, and good to excellent patient-reported outcomes in carefully selected athletes [14]. Patients undergoing arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis for SLAP tears or long head of the biceps abnormalities had similar outcome scores and complication rates compared with those undergoing open subpectoral biceps tenodesis [20].

Risk Factors: Risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair include age greater than 40 years, female sex, obesity, smoking, and diagnosis of biceps tendinitis or long head of the biceps tearing [22].

Investigations

Plain radiography: Superior glenoid rim fractures involving the biceps anchor are extremely rare and represent a bony variant within the spectrum of SLAP lesions [17].

MRI: High prevalence of superior labral tears diagnosed by MRI in middle-aged patients with asymptomatic shoulders emphasizes the need for supporting clinical judgment when making treatment decisions for this patient population [58]. Patients older than 50 years were significantly more likely to have superior labral abnormalities regardless of other shoulder injury or disease [18]. If calcific tendinitis of the long head of the biceps brachii at its origin is suspected, it may be helpful to consider the presence of a concurrent SLAP lesion and its management [2].

CT: A contrast-filled gap between the labrum and glenoid on neutral CT arthrography after SLAP repair is frequently observed even in patients with satisfactory clinical outcomes [52].

Other Considerations: A decision to operate on a shoulder for a suspected SLAP lesion should not be made on the basis of clinical assessment tests alone [13]. The concomitant presence of SLAP and pulley lesions is significantly rare, occurring in only about 10% of all patients with SLAP and pulley lesions [15]. The SLAP lesion can be diagnosed only arthroscopically and may be treated successfully by arthroscopic techniques alone in many patients [56]. Repair of type IV SLAP lesions can be anticipated to be successful provided no more than 30% of the biceps root is compromised by the injury [25]. Both arthroscopic repair and biceps tenotomy and tenodesis interventions had benefits in type II SLAP lesions [9]. An evidence-based, updated, and consensus statement on the pathoanatomy and diagnosis of clinically relevant superior labrum and biceps anchor disorders suggests future directions for research [21].

Treatment

Non-Operative

Non-operative treatment with an appropriate regimen provides satisfactory clinical outcomes in middle-aged patients with symptomatic SLAP lesions and should be considered before recommending operative treatment [42]. A clinical prediction model consisting of variables describing patient characteristics, specific symptoms, and non-operative treatment modalities can predict failure of non-operative management of SLAP tears with moderate accuracy [48]. Treatment decisions for SLAP lesions are driven primarily by the presence of pain, overhead activity level, and prior non-operative management [44]. A decision to operate on a shoulder for a suspected SLAP lesion should not be made based on clinical assessment tests alone [13].

Operative

Indications: Primary biceps tenodesis provides improved functional results in active patients under 30 years old compared to SLAP repair at minimum 2-year follow-up [3]. In a young active population, biceps tenodesis may facilitate earlier return to activity compared to repair for type II SLAP lesions [4]. Primary biceps tenodesis offers increased effectiveness compared to both primary SLAP repair and nonoperative treatment, with lower costs than primary SLAP repair, for symptomatic SLAP tears in middle-aged patients [11]. Biceps tenotomy and rotator cuff repair may be a more reliable method to address concomitant type II SLAP lesions in patients with large to massive rotator cuff tears [12]. If calcific tendinitis of the long head of the biceps brachii at its origin is suspected, the presence of a concurrent SLAP lesion should be considered [2].

Surgical Approach / Technique: Open subpectoral biceps tenodesis may be a reliable alternative to arthroscopic repair for symptomatic isolated SLAP tears in patients under 30 years of age [5]. Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis can be considered an effective alternative to reinsertion for the treatment of isolated type II SLAP lesions [7]. Both arthroscopic repair and biceps tenotomy/tenodesis interventions offer benefits for type II SLAP lesions [9]. An effective arthroscopic technique exists for managing combined anterior shoulder instability and type IV SLAP lesions by repairing all pathoanatomy present, including the superior labrum and biceps tendon split [8]. In patients with non-communicated type II SLAP lesions combined with Bankart lesions, Bankart repair and SLAP debridement yielded satisfactory results without affecting shoulder stability [45]. Surgeons should perform careful capsulotomy with minimal resection during arthroscopic, isolated decompression of ganglion cysts of the shoulder to prevent labral damage and the development of new SLAP lesions [66].

Implant Selection: SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis both present viable treatment options with specific advantages and disadvantages, with the decision made individually with the patient [19]. Some SLAP repair techniques can disrupt vascularization of the long head of the biceps tendon, whereas the technique using 2 anchors with simple sutures can preserve vascularization [51].

Other Considerations: Subpectoral biceps tenodesis as a salvage procedure for failed type II SLAP repair demonstrates improved results [1]. Biceps tenodesis is a safe, effective, and technically straightforward alternative to primary SLAP repair in patients with type II and IV SLAP tears [6]. Biceps tenodesis for the treatment of Type II and Type IV SLAP lesions results in a significant decrease in pain and increase in shoulder function [26]. In a young active population, primary arthroscopic biceps tenodesis is a viable surgical alternative to labral repair for type II SLAP lesions with minimum 2-year outcomes [28]. Female patients who underwent surgical treatment of SLAP lesions with SLAP repair or biceps tenodesis show comparable minimum two-year results regarding function, self-reported pain, and ability to return to sports [16]. Patients undergoing arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis for SLAP tears or LHBT abnormalities had similar outcome scores and complication rates compared to those undergoing open subpectoral biceps tenodesis [20]. Patients who underwent an open Latarjet procedure with an associated SLAP tear more frequently reported postoperative pain than those without a SLAP lesion [65]. Superior glenoid rim fractures involving the biceps anchor represent a rare bony variant within the spectrum of SLAP lesions [17].

Complications

Revision Surgery: Reoperation rates are significantly higher for patients undergoing SLAP repair compared to other treatments [24], with isolated SLAP repair independently associated with unplanned reoperation [67]. Risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair include age greater than 40 years [22], female sex [22], obesity [22], smoking [22], and a diagnosis of biceps tendinitis or long head of the biceps tearing [22]. Patients older than 50 years are significantly more likely to have superior labral abnormalities regardless of other shoulder injury or disease [18].

Stiffness / Arthrofibrosis: Subpectoral biceps tenodesis may emerge as a primary alternative for treating young athletes with unstable SLAP tears due to high rates of postoperative stiffness after modern arthroscopic shoulder SLAP repair [75].

Functional Outcomes and Reoperation Risk: Meta-analysis showed more frequent favorable outcomes with biceps tenodesis compared to repair for isolated type II SLAP tears [70], and arthroscopic and open biceps tenodesis demonstrated slightly lower risk for reoperation than SLAP repair [73]. Primary biceps tenodesis provides improved functional results in active patients under 30 years old compared to SLAP repair at minimum 2-year follow-up [3]. In patients under the age of 30 with isolated SLAP tear pathology, biceps tenodesis is a reliable alternative to arthroscopic repair with a low rate of revision surgery [72] and demonstrates excellent patient reported outcomes [72]. Primary biceps tenodesis offers increased effectiveness compared with both primary SLAP repair and nonoperative treatment for symptomatic SLAP tears in middle-aged patients [11]. In 87% of cases, a good or excellent functional outcome can be anticipated after arthroscopic repair of type II SLAP lesions [74].

Other Considerations: Subpectoral biceps tenodesis is used as a salvage procedure for failed type II SLAP repair and demonstrates improved results [1]. Subpectoral biceps tenodesis may emerge as a primary alternative for treating young athletes with unstable SLAP tears due to high rates of revision reoperation after modern arthroscopic shoulder SLAP repair [75]. Subpectoral biceps tenodesis may emerge as a primary alternative for treating young athletes with unstable SLAP tears due to inconsistent functional outcomes after modern arthroscopic shoulder SLAP repair [75]. Primary biceps tenodesis is a safe, effective, and technically straightforward alternative to primary SLAP repair in patients with type II and IV SLAP tears [6]. Primary biceps tenodesis has lower costs than primary SLAP repair for symptomatic SLAP tears in middle-aged patients [11]. Calcific tendinitis of the long head of the biceps brachii at its origin may be associated with a concurrent SLAP lesion [2]. The concomitant presence of SLAP and pulley lesions occurs in only about 10% of all patients with SLAP and pulley lesions [15]. Single-portal SLAP lesion repair is described as a very uncomplicated and easily reproducible procedure [68]. The total number of biceps tenodeses has increased over the past 10 years while the number and relative percentage of SLAP repairs have decreased [71].

Recovery

Light activity (weeks): Evidence regarding specific timelines for desk work, driving, or light ADLs is not provided in the current evidence base; however, return to activity is noted to be facilitated earlier with biceps tenodesis compared to repair in young active populations [4].

Full activity (months): In competitive overhead athletes, 81% returned to their previous level of play at an average of 4.1 months postoperatively following subpectoral biceps tenodesis for symptomatic SLAP tears [60]. Return to sport remains completely unpredictable for throwers due to massive variability in outcomes and a lack of robust comparative literature [47]. Overall successful outcomes favor tenodesis regarding return to play in athletes [69], though rates of return to play in younger patients show no significant difference between biceps tenodesis and SLAP repair [59]. For elite overhead athletes, the return to preinjury level of competition after type II SLAP lesion repairs was 57% [63].

Complete recovery / outcome plateau (months): Female patients undergoing surgical treatment of SLAP lesions with either SLAP repair or biceps tenodesis show comparable minimum two-year results regarding level of function, self-reported pain, and ability to return to sports [16]. Primary biceps tenodesis provides improved functional results in active patients under 30 years old compared to SLAP repair at minimum 2-year follow-up [3]. Primary biceps tenodesis offers increased effectiveness compared with both primary SLAP repair and nonoperative treatment for symptomatic SLAP tears in middle-aged patients [11]. Subpectoral biceps tenodesis provides satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of Type II and Type IV SLAP lesions in middle-aged patients [10].

Rehabilitation protocol: No specific rehabilitation protocols, immobilisation durations, or weight-bearing progressions are detailed in the provided evidence.

Functional milestones: Primary biceps tenodesis as a salvage procedure for failed type II SLAP repair demonstrates improved results [1]. Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis is an effective alternative to the repair of a type II SLAP lesion, allowing patients to return to a presurgical level of activity and sports participation [38]. Athletes undergoing biceps tenodesis for a symptomatic, isolated SLAP tear had a high rate of return to play, good functional outcomes, and a low rate of revision surgery [54]. Biceps tenodesis is increasingly used for the management of SLAP lesions, with recent studies reporting high rates of return to sport, high satisfaction, and good to excellent patient-reported outcomes in carefully selected athletes [14].

Other Considerations: Reoperation rates are higher for patients undergoing SLAP repair compared to biceps tenodesis [24]. Arthroscopic revision type II SLAP repairs yield worse results than primary repairs, with workers' compensation patients and overhead athletes doing especially worse [53]. Primary biceps tenodesis has lower costs than primary SLAP repair for symptomatic SLAP tears in middle-aged patients [11]. Biceps tenodesis has no significant difference in rates of revision surgery compared to SLAP repair in younger patients [59].

Key Evidence

  • [L4] The findings suggest that patients who undergo subpectoral biceps tenodesis as a salvage procedure for failed type II SLAP repair demonstrate improved results. (10.1177/2325967113s00088)
  • [L4] The authors conclude that if calcific tendinitis of the long head of the biceps brachii at its origin is suspected, it may be helpful to consider the presence of a concurrent SLAP lesion and its management. (10.1007/s00167-007-0323-y)
  • [L3] Our results suggest that primary biceps tenodesis provides improved functional results in active patients under 30 when compared to SLAP repair at minimum 2 year follow‐up. (10.1177/2325967117s00395)
  • [L3] In a young active population, biceps tenodesis may be a viable surgical alternative for type II SLAP lesions and may facilitate earlier return to activity compared to repair. (10.1177/2325967117s00394)
  • [L3] In patients under the age of 30 years with a symptomatic isolated SLAP tear, open subpectoral biceps tenodesis may be a reliable alternative to arthroscopic repair. (10.1016/j.arthro.2021.07.028)
  • [L4] Based on these results, biceps tenodesis is a safe, effective, and technically straightforward alternative to primary SLAP repair in patients with type II and IV SLAP tears. (10.1177/0363546514540273)
  • [L4] Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis can be considered an effective alternative to reinsertion in the treatment of isolated type II SLAP lesions. (10.1016/j.arthro.2007.03.068)
  • [L4] The authors present an effective arthroscopic technique for managing combined anterior shoulder instability and type IV SLAP lesions by repairing all pathoanatomy present, including the superior labrum and biceps tendon split. (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.04.075)
  • [L1] Both arthroscopic repair and biceps tenotomy and tenodesis interventions had benefits in type II SLAP lesions. (10.1186/s13018-019-1096-y)
  • [L4] Subpectoral biceps tenodesis provides satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of Type II and Type IV SLAP lesions in middle aged patients. (10.1177/2325967114s00062)
  • [L3] Primary biceps tenodesis offers increased effectiveness when compared with both primary SLAP repair and nonoperative treatment and lower costs than primary SLAP repair. (10.1016/j.arthro.2018.01.029)
  • [L2] Biceps tenotomy and rotator cuff repair may be a more reliable method to address concomitant type II SLAP lesions and large to massive rotator cuff tears in patients. (10.1177/0363546512462678)
  • [L3] A decision to operate on a shoulder for a suspected SLAP lesion should not be made on the basis of these tests alone. (10.1177/03635465020300061001)
  • [L5] Biceps tenodesis has been increasingly used for the management of SLAP lesions, with recent studies reporting high rates of return to sport, high satisfaction, and good to excellent patient-reported outcomes in carefully selected athletes. (10.5435/jaaos-d-21-01199)
  • [L4] The concomitant presence of SLAP and pulley lesions is significantly rare, occurring in only about 10% of all patients with SLAP and pulley lesions. (10.1016/j.arthro.2011.01.005)
  • [L3] Female patients who underwent surgical treatment of SLAP lesions with SLAP repair or biceps tenodesis show comparable minimum two-year results with respect to level of function, self-reported pain, and ability to return to sports after these procedures. (10.1177/2325967123s00164)
  • [L4] Superior glenoid rim fractures involving the biceps anchor are extremely rare and represent a bony variant within the spectrum of SLAP lesions. (10.1177/0363546509336341)
  • [L3] Patients older than 50 years were significantly more likely to have superior labral abnormalities regardless of other shoulder injury or disease. (10.1177/2325967118797065)
  • [L5] SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis both present viable treatment options but come with specific advantages and disadvantages, with the decision ultimately made individually with the patient. (10.1016/j.arthro.2019.02.026)
  • [L4] Patients undergoing arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis for either SLAP tears or LHBT abnormalities had similar outcome scores and complication rates compared with those undergoing open subpectoral biceps tenodesis. (10.1177/2325967120945322)
  • [L5] The purpose of this review is to provide an evidence-based, updated, and consensus statement on the pathoanatomy and diagnosis of clinically relevant superior labrum and biceps anchor disorders and suggests future directions for research. (10.1016/j.jse.2022.12.015)
  • [L3] Risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair include age >40 years, female sex, obesity, smoking, and diagnosis of biceps tendinitis or long head of the biceps tearing. (10.1177/0363546517691950)
  • [L4] SLAP lesions may mimic impingement, rotator cuff pathology, or anterior instability. (10.1016/j.arthro.2011.03.007)
  • [L3] Reoperation rates are higher for patients undergoing SLAP repair, which is a likely driver behind the increased utilization of biceps tenodesis. (10.1016/j.jseint.2022.11.001)
  • [L4] Repair of type IV SLAP lesions can be anticipated to be successful provided no more than 30% of the biceps root is compromised by the injury. (10.1016/j.arthro.2008.04.014)
  • [L4] Biceps tenodesis for the treatment of Type II and Type IV SLAP repairs results in a significant decrease in pain and increase in shoulder function. (10.1016/j.arthro.2014.04.030)
  • [L3] For experienced shoulder surgeons, the Snyder classification is a reliable system for identifying SLAP lesions. (10.1177/0363546510392332)
  • [L3] In a young active population, primary arthroscopic biceps tenodesis is a viable surgical alternative to labral repair for type II SLAP lesions. (10.1007/s00167-020-05971-0)
  • [L5] This study has shown that the human glenoid labrum's compressive behavior varies around its circumference. (10.1016/j.arthro.2008.12.012)
  • [L4] The sub-supraspinatus recess is a definable anatomic entity typically measuring 5 mm to 10 mm in depth, and the posterosuperior labrum exhibits physiological motion (roll back) during glenohumeral motion, most pronounced in external rotation in abduction. (10.1177/1758573218757169)
  • [L4] The current literature and practice for making the SLAP diagnosis are variable and inconsistent. (10.1016/j.arthro.2015.06.033)
  • [L5] The PPS injury produces alterations in GH kinematics with implications for GH joint instability, increased GH joint loading, and potential joint damage. (10.1016/j.jse.2024.12.023)
  • [L5] Outcomes following surgical treatment vary depending on the method of treatment, associated pathology, and patient characteristics, with biceps tenodesis receiving increasing attention as a treatment option. (10.1302/2058-5241.4.180033)
  • [L3] Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis can be considered an effective alternative to the repair of a type II SLAP lesion, allowing patients to return to a presurgical level of activity and sports participation. (10.1177/0363546508330127)
  • [L5] All 3 labral zones assessed in this study have important biomechanical contributions to biceps anchor displacement. (10.1177/0363546509343468)
  • [L3] In patients aged ≤50 years with isolated SLAP tears, open biceps tenodesis provides cost savings over arthroscopic methods of treatment. (10.1016/j.asmr.2020.09.020)
  • [L4] Non-operative treatment with an appropriate regimen provided satisfactory clinical outcomes in middle-aged patients with symptomatic SLAP lesions and should be considered before recommending operative treatment. (10.1007/s00167-016-4226-7)
  • [L5] The small amounts of increased external rotation and translation found with arthroscopically created type II superior labral anterior posterior lesions do not significantly affect glenohumeral kinematics in this passive motion model as quantified by the path of glenohumeral articulation. (10.1177/0363546507312169)
  • [L5] Treatment decisions for SLAP lesions are driven primarily by the presence of pain, overhead activity level, and prior non-operative management. (10.1016/j.jisako.2026.101087)
  • [L4] In patients with non-communicated type II SLAP lesions combined with Bankart lesions, Bankart repair and SLAP debridement yielded satisfactory results without affecting shoulder stability. (10.5397/cise.2018.21.1.37)
  • [L4] This study shows that in shoulders with a SLAP lesion there is a trend towards delay in activation time of Biceps and other muscles with the exception of an associated earlier onset of activation of Serratus anterior, possibly due to a coping strategy to protect glenohumeral stability and thoraco-scapular stability. (10.1186/1749-799x-5-12)
  • [L5] Return to sport for throwers after SLAP repair or biceps tenodesis remains completely unpredictable due to massive variability in outcomes and a lack of robust comparative literature. (10.1016/j.arthro.2025.03.022)
  • [L3] A clinical prediction model consisting of variables describing patient characteristics, specific symptoms, and the type of non-operative treatment modalities utilized was found to predict failure of non-operative management of SLAP tears with moderate accuracy. (10.1177/2325967121s00328)
  • [L5] SLAP lesions lead to increased glenohumeral translation and concurrently LHB tension and load in at most anterior direction. (10.1007/s00167-011-1423-2)
  • [L5] Some SLAP repair techniques can disrupt vascularization; however, the technique using 2 anchors with simple sutures can preserve the vascularization of the long head of the biceps tendon. (10.1016/j.jse.2020.07.014)
  • [L4] A contrast-filled gap between the labrum and glenoid on neutral CT arthrography after SLAP repair is frequently observed even in patients with satisfactory clinical outcomes. (10.1007/s00167-014-3350-5)
  • [L4] Arthroscopic revision type II SLAP repairs yield worse results than primary repairs as reported in the literature, with workers' compensation patients and overhead athletes doing especially worse. (10.1177/0363546511398648)
  • [L4] Athletes undergoing biceps tenodesis as the treatment for a symptomatic, isolated SLAP tear had a high rate of return to play, good functional outcomes, and a low rate of revision surgery. (10.1177/2325967121s00553)
  • [L4] The SLAP lesion can be diagnosed only arthroscopically and may be treated successfully by arthroscopic techniques alone in many patients. (10.1016/j.arthro.2010.06.004)
  • [L3] These shoulder MRI findings in middle-aged populations emphasize the need for supporting clinical judgment when making treatment decisions for this patient population. (10.1177/2325967115623212)
  • [L1] This study found that biceps tenodesis has no significant difference in rates of return to play in athletes, as well as in functional outcome scores and rates of revision surgery in younger patients compared to SLAP repair. (10.1016/j.jisako.2023.09.007)
  • [L4] In the current series of competitive overhead athletes, 81% of patients returned to previous level of play at an average of 4.1 months postoperatively after subpectoral biceps tenodesis for symptomatic SLAP tear. (10.1016/j.arthro.2022.07.017)
  • [L5] Repair of the labrum restored stability for superior subluxation but also changed the kinematics of the subluxation event. (10.1016/j.arthro.2014.06.012)
  • [L3] Return to preinjury level of competition for elite overhead athletes after type II SLAP lesion repairs was 57%, despite high American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores. (10.1177/0363546510379971)
  • [L4] Isolated tears of the anterosuperior labrum represent a subtle cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction that is very difficult to diagnose clinically. (10.1016/j.arthro.2010.05.022)
  • [L3] Patients who underwent an open Latarjet procedure with an associated SLAP tear more frequently reported postoperative pain than those without a SLAP lesion. (10.1177/23259671231185199)
  • [L4] Surgeons should be aware of this uncommon cause of shoulder pain and perform careful capsulotomy with minimal resection to prevent labral damage. (10.1007/s00167-009-0851-8)
  • [L3] Isolated SLAP repair is independently associated with unplanned reoperation. (10.1007/s00167-020-06397-4)
  • [L4] The simple modification described makes SLAP repair a very uncomplicated and easily reproducible procedure. (10.1016/j.arthro.2006.05.033)
  • [L5] Overall successful outcomes are seen in both SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis, with results favouring tenodesis in terms of return to play in athletes, though there is a paucity of Level I studies comparing the two. (10.1136/jisakos-2020-000537)
  • [L1] Meta-analysis showed more frequent favorable outcomes with biceps tenodesis. (10.1016/j.arthro.2022.05.005)
  • [L4] Over the past 10 years, the total number of biceps tenodeses has increased, whereas the number and relative percentage of SLAP repairs within our practice have decreased. (10.1016/j.arthro.2015.11.044)
  • [L3] In patients under the age of 30 with isolated SLAP tear pathology, BT is a reliable alternative to AR, with a low rate of revision surgery, and excellent patient reported outcomes. (10.1177/2325967121s00332)
  • [L4] Arthroscopic and open BT demonstrated slightly lower risk for reoperation than SLAP repair. (10.1016/j.arthro.2021.11.049)
  • [L4] In 87% of cases, a good or excellent functional outcome can be anticipated after arthroscopic repair of type II SLAP lesions with the described techniques. (10.1016/j.arthro.2011.09.005)
  • [L5] Subpectoral biceps tenodesis may emerge as a primary alternative for treating the young athlete with unstable SLAP tears due to high rates of postoperative stiffness, revision reoperation, and inconsistent functional outcomes after modern arthroscopic shoulder SLAP repair. (10.1016/j.arthro.2021.10.019)

See Also

References

[1] Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis for Failed Type II SLAP Repair. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2013. DOI: 10.1177/2325967113s00088

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