Arthroscopic superior labrum anterior-posterior repair in military patients

Acromioclavicular joint dislocation and concomitant labral lesions: a systematic review

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations frequently co-occur with intra-articular glenohumeral pathologies. Few comprehensive studies have focused on labral tears specifically associated with AC joint trauma. This systematic review will address this gap. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar (pages 1-20) spanning from 1976 to May 19, 2023. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review, consisting of three retrospective studies and four case series. These studies collectively involved 1,044 patients, of whom 282 had concomitant labral lesions. The pooled prevalence of intra-articular labral injuries associated with acute AC joint dislocation was 27%. The prevalence of these labral lesions varied significantly between studies, ranging from 13.9% to 84.0% of patients, depending on the study and the grade of AC joint dislocation. Various types of labral tears were reported, with superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions being the most common. The prevalence of SLAP lesions ranged from 7.2% to 77.4%, with higher grades of AC joint dislocations often associated with a higher prevalence of SLAP tears. Moreover, grade V dislocations exhibited a complete correlation with SLAP tears. The studies yielded contradictory findings regarding older age and higher grades of AC joint dislocation as risk factors for concurrent labral lesions. This review underscores the frequent association between labral lesions and AC joint dislocations, particularly in cases of lower-grade injuries. Notably, SLAP lesions emerged as the predominant type of labral tear.

Return to Sport at Preinjury Level is Common After Surgical Treatment of SLAP Lesions: A Systematic Review and a Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing surgery for Superior-Labrum-anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) lesions are often worried about their return to sport performance. This systematic review determined the rate of return to sport and return to sport at the previous level (RTSP) after surgery for SLAP lesion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Meta-analysis of data through forest plot projections was conducted. Studies were divided and analyzed according to the type of interventions (isolated slap repair or SLAP repair with rotator cuff debridement and biceps tenodesis).

RESULTS

The mean overall rate of return to sport after the procedures was 90.6% and the mean overall rate of return to sport at the previous level after the procedures was 71.7%. RTSP rates of the whole population were 71% (95% CI: 60%-80%), 66% (95% CI: 49%-79%), and 78% (95% CI: 67%-87%) for isolated SLAP repair, SLAP repair with the rotator cuff debridement and biceps tenodesis, respectively. A lack of subgroup analysis for the specific performance demand or type of lesion related to the surgical technique used might induce a high risk of bias.

DISCUSSION

Return to sports at the previous level after surgically treated superior labrum anterior to posterior lesion is possible and highly frequent, with the highest rates of RTSP in patients treated with biceps tenodesis. More studies and better-designed trials are needed to enrich the evidence on indications of SLAP surgical treatment in relation to specific sports-level demand.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level-IV.

Long-term results of arthroscopic repair of type II SLAP lesions in sports: assessment of return to pre-injury playing level and critical risk factors for complication

PURPOSE

The management of isolated SLAP lesions is still debated especially in athletes. Aims of the study were: 1. to analyse our algorithm to treat SLAP lesions starting from the selection of patients for surgery and 2. to correlate the familiarity for diabetes and hypothyroid disorders with post-operative results.

METHODS

Seventy-eight patients with isolated SLAP lesion were arthroscopically treated using knotless anchors and microfractures. All patients had a pre-operative and post-operative clinical examination according to Walch-Duplay, Constant, Rowe and Dash scores and interviewed for familiarity to diabetes and hypothyroid disorders.

RESULTS

About 68.8% of patients solved pain with rehabilitation. About 29% of patients returned to the sports activities. About 32% of patients were no responder to physiotherapy and were arthroscopically treated. About 53.9% of patients responded excellent, 34.7% good, 3.8% medium and 7.6% poor results according to Walch-Duplay score. The Constant score increased from 64 to 95, the Rowe score from 48 to 96. The outcomes were significantly worse in patients with familiarity for diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Microfractures and knotless anchor give long-term good results for the treatment of SLAP lesions in athletes. The familiarity for diabetes is an important risk factor that can lead to decreased outcomes.

Postoperative Rehabilitation After Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Repair

The 4-phase rehabilitation protocol outlined in this article provides a comprehensive 26-week program to return patients with superior labrum anterior posterior repairs to their preinjury states. It is guided by the principle of gradual return to preinjury function while preserving the integrity of the surgical repair. Objective criteria are present at the conclusion of each phase to ensure patients are progressing appropriately. The goal is to allow patients to return to their previous functional ability in their sport-specific or occupational-specific training.

3-Tesla T2 Mapping Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Evaluation of SLAP Lesions in Patients with Shoulder Pain: An Arthroscopy-Controlled Study

This study investigated the ability of T2 mapping to assess the glenoid labrum and to differentiate between healthy labral substances and superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions using arthroscopy as the gold standard. Eighteen patients (mean age: 52.4 ± 14.72 years, 12 men) with shoulder pain were examined using 3-Tesla T2 mapping. All the patients underwent shoulder arthroscopy. Using morphological sequences for correlation, regions of interest covering the entire labral substance were placed in the corresponding T2 maps. The diagnostic cutoff values, sensitivities, and specificities, as well as the inter-reader correlation coefficients (ICCs) determined by two independent radiologists, were calculated. The mean T2 value was 20.8 ± 2.4 ms for the healthy labral substances and 37.7 ± 10.63 ms in the patients with SLAP lesions. The maximum T2 value in normal labrum (21.2 ms) was lower than the minimum T2 value in the patients with SLAP lesions (27.8 ms), leading to sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values of 100% (95% CI 54.1-100.0) for all the cutoff values between 21.2 and 27.8 ms. The ICCs ranged from 0.91 to 0.99. In summary, the data suggest that evaluation and quantification of the labral (ultra)structural integrity using T2 mapping may allow discrimination between arthroscopically confirmed SLAP lesions and a healthy glenoid labrum. T2 mapping may therefore be helpful in diagnosing patients with suspected labral damage.

Surgical Treatment of Superior Labral/Biceps Pathology in the Overhead Thrower

Symptomatic superior labral anterior and posterior (SLAP) tears have become an increasingly common diagnosis, particularly within the competitive overhead athlete population. Type II SLAP tears are the most encountered variant in overhead throwing athletes. Given the high incidence of false positives on advanced imaging, corroborating the history and physical examination with imaging is paramount to accurately establish a SLAP lesion diagnosis. Previous studies have reported conflicting success rates with conservative management, but the number of pitching athletes able to return to prior level of performance with nonsurgical management strategies has been unsatisfactory. Although there has historically been a notable disconnect between the incidence of SLAP tears in the literature and the number of SLAP repairs in recent investigations, high-grade or unstable tears may be candidates for débridement, labral repair, biceps tenodesis, or less frequently, biceps tenotomy. Biceps tenodesis has been increasingly used for the management of these lesions, with recent studies reporting high rates of return to sport, high satisfaction, and good to excellent patient-reported outcomes in carefully selected athletes.

Surgical management of multiple superior shoulder suspensory complex disruptions involving at least a coracoid fracture and an acromioclavicular dislocation: A report of five cases

A combination of coracoid fracture and acromioclavicular dislocation is rare. Detecting further pathologies that could cause multiple superior shoulder suspensory complex disruptions is mandatory. Literature regarding these injuries and their management is lacking. We report our diagnostic and surgical strategies, and the postoperative outcomes of superior shoulder suspensory complex disruptions. We present five cases, treated from 2011 to 2016, who had >2 disruptions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex, involving at least a coracoid fracture and an acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Surgical reconstruction was performed in all cases. The patients were postoperatively followed up for a year. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, and bone union was achieved in all fractures. Furthermore, all patients returned to their pre-surgery activity level and jobs. Thus, we could demonstrate that in multiple superior shoulder suspensory complex disruptions involving a coracoid fracture and an acromioclavicular joint dislocation, surgical treatment leads to a good functional outcome.

Biceps Tenodesis Versus Superior Labral Anterior and Posterior (SLAP) Lesion Repair for the Treatment of SLAP Lesion in Overhead Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Superior labral anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions are common injuries in overhead athletes. As a surgical treatment for SLAP lesions, SLAP repair has been traditionally performed. Recently, biceps tenodesis has been performed as an alternative treatment option; however, there is no review for outcome comparisons between these 2 procedures in overhead athletes.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of SLAP repair versus biceps tenodesis, especially in overhead athletes with SLAP lesions.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

An electronic literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. The studies were appraised using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) tool. Studies that had a minimum follow-up of 2 years, included only patients with SLAP lesions without other major shoulder pathologies, and included only patients who engaged in overhead sports were included. The functional outcomes of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, rate of return to sport, rate of return to preinjury level of sport, and complication rate were subjected to meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 332 articles were identified, and 13 were included in the systematic review. Even though the postoperative ASES scores were slightly higher in the biceps tenodesis group than in the SLAP repair group, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups (biceps tenodesis, 95% CI = 91.71-96.75, I² = 0.00; SLAP repair, 95% CI = 85.47-94.46, I² = 16.3; P = .085) The rate of return to sport and the return to preinjury level of sport were slightly higher in the biceps tenodesis group than in the SLAP repair group; however, in meta-analysis these factors did not reach statistical significance (return to sport: biceps tenodesis, 95% CI = 0.66-0.91, I² = 0.00; SLAP repair, 95% CI = 0.68-0.93, I² = 70.23; P = .94) (return to preinjury level of sport: biceps tenodesis, 95% CI = 0.61-0.89, I² = 17.78; SLAP repair, 95% CI = 0.53-0.82, I² = 58.07; P = .37). The biceps tenodesis group showed a lower complication rate compared with the SLAP repair group without statistical significance (biceps tenodesis, 95% CI = 0.013-0.145, I² = 0.00; SLAP repair, 95% CI = 0.049-0.143, I² = 0.00; P = .25).

CONCLUSION

The results of biceps tenodesis, compared with SLAP repair, were not inferior in the surgical treatment of overhead athletes with SLAP lesions with regard to the ASES score, rate of return to sport, rate of return to preinjury level of sport, and complication rate. Further high-level, randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm this result.

Return to play following nonsurgical management of superior labrum anterior-posterior tears: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears are common shoulder injuries, especially in overhead athletes. Often, initial management of these injuries is nonsurgical with focused rehabilitation. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the outcomes of nonsurgical management of SLAP tears in athletes.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed for articles published before March 2021 using key search terms pertaining to clinical studies evaluating the nonsurgical treatment of SLAP tears in adult patients published in English-language literature. Abstracts and manuscripts were independently reviewed by 2 co-authors to determine eligibility. Return-to-play rate and return-to-prior-athletic-performance rate were determined by combining results across studies.

RESULTS

Five articles met the inclusion criteria. There were 244 total athletes (162 elite or higher-level athletes). The mean ages ranged from 20.3 to 38.0 years. Type II SLAP tears were most common; baseball, softball, and weightlifting were the most common sports involved. The return-to-play rate was 53.7% in all athletes and 52.5% in elite or higher-level athletes. In athletes who were able to complete their nonoperative rehabilitation program, the return-to-play rate was 78% in all athletes and 76.6% in elite or higher-level athletes. The overall rate of return to prior performance was 42.6%, which increased to 72% for those athletes who were able to complete their rehabilitation. Patients who discontinued the rehabilitation protocol in favor of surgery had an average of 8 physical therapy sessions compared with 20 sessions for patients with successful nonoperative treatment. The timing of return to play was generally less than 6 months in studies that reported it. Patient-reported outcomes, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score and visual analog scale, all improved significantly after nonsurgical treatment. Factors associated with failure of nonsurgical management included older age, participation in overhead sports (especially baseball pitchers), traumatic injury, positive compression rotation test, concomitant rotator cuff injury, longer baseball career, longer symptomatic period, and the presence of a Bennett spur.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, nonoperative treatment of SLAP tears in athletes can be successful, especially in the subset of patients who are able to complete their rehabilitation program before attempting a return to play. Although nonoperative treatment should be considered the first line of treatment for most SLAP tears, there are some factors that may be associated with failure of conservative treatment; therefore, further high level, prospective studies would be beneficial to identify those athletes most likely to respond favorably to nonoperative treatment.

Is Self-reported Return to Duty an Adequate Indicator of Return to Sport and/or Return to Function in Military Patients?

BACKGROUND

In the military, return-to-duty status has commonly been used as a functional outcome measure after orthopaedic surgery. This is sometimes regarded similarly to return to sports or as an indicator of return to full function. However, there is variability in how return-to-duty data are reported in clinical research studies, and it is unclear whether return-to-duty status alone can be used as a surrogate for return to sport or whether it is a useful marker for return to full function.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What proportion of military patients who reported return to duty also returned to athletic participation as defined by self-reported level of physical activity? (2) What proportion of military patients who reported return to duty reported other indicators of decreased function (such as nondeployability, change in work type or level, or medical evaluation board)?

METHODS

Preoperative and postoperative self-reported physical profile status (mandated physical limitation), physical activity status, work status, deployment status, military occupation specialty changes, and medical evaluation board status were retrospectively reviewed for all active-duty soldiers who underwent orthopaedic surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord from February 2017 to October 2018. Survey data were collected on patients preoperatively and 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively in all subspecialty and general orthopaedic clinics. Patients were considered potentially eligible if they were on active-duty status at the time of their surgery and consented to the survey (1319 patients). A total of 89% (1175) were excluded since they did not have survey data at the 1 year mark. Of the remaining 144 patients, 9% (13) were excluded due to the same patient having undergone multiple procedures, and 2% (3) were excluded for incomplete data. This left 10% (128) of the original group available for analysis. Ninety-eight patients reported not having a physical profile at their latest postoperative visit; however, 14 of these patients also stated they were retired from the military, leaving 84 patients in the return-to-duty group. Self-reported "full-time duty with no restrictions" was originally used as the indicator for return to duty; however, the authors felt this to be too vague and instead used soldiers' self-reported profile status as a more specific indicator of return to duty. Mean length of follow-up was 13 ± 3 months. Eighty-three percent (70 of 84) of patients were men. Mean age at the preoperative visit was 35 ± 8 years. The most common surgery types were sports shoulder (n = 22) and sports knee (n = 14). The subgroups were too small to analyze by orthopaedic procedure. Based on active-duty status and requirements of the military profession, all patients were considered physically active before their injury or surgery. Return to sport was determined by asking patients how their level of physical activity compared with their level before their injury (higher, same, or lower). We identified the number of other indicators that may suggest decreased function by investigating change in work type/level, self-reported nondeployability, or medical evaluation board. This was performed with a simple survey.

RESULTS

Of the 84 patients reporting return to duty at the final follow-up, 67% (56) reported an overall lower level of physical activity. Twenty-seven percent (23) reported not returning to the same work level, 32% (27) reported being nondeployable, 23% (19) reported undergoing a medical evaluation board (evaluation for medical separation from the military), and 11% (9) reported a change in military occupation specialty (change of job description).

CONCLUSION

Return to duty is commonly reported in military orthopaedics to describe postoperative functional outcome. Although self-reported return to duty may have value for military study populations, based on the findings of this investigation, surgeons should not consider return to duty a marker of return to sport or return to full function. However, further investigation is required to see to what degree this general conclusion applies to the various orthopaedic subspecialties and to ascertain how self-reported return to duty compares with specific outcome measures used for particular procedures and subspecialties.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

Ultrasound-Guided Biceps Tendon Sheath Injections Frequently Extravasate Into the Glenohumeral Joint

PURPOSE

To evaluate the frequency of glenohumeral joint extravasation of ultrasound (US)-guided biceps tendon sheath injections.

METHODS

Fifty shoulders with a clinical diagnosis of bicipital tenosynovitis pain received a US-guided biceps sheath injection with anesthetic, steroid, and contrast (5.0 mL mixture) followed immediately by orthogonal radiographs to localize the anatomic distribution of the injection. Radiographic evaluation of contrast localization was determined and interobserver reliability calculated.

RESULTS

All 50 postinjection radiographs (100%) demonstrated contrast within the biceps tendon sheath. In addition, 30 of 50 (60%) radiographs also revealed contrast in the glenohumeral joint. Interobserver reliability for determination of intraarticular contrast was good (kappa value 0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

US-guided bicipital sheath injections reproducibly result in intrasheath placement of injection fluid. Bicipital sheath injections performed with 5 mL of volume result in partial extravasation into the joint 60% of the time. These data may be useful for surgeons who use the results of diagnostic biceps injections for diagnosis and surgical decision-making.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, prospective cohort study, diagnosis.

Surgical Management of Superior Labral Tears in Athletes: Focus on Biceps Tenodesis

Superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions are common in overhead athletes. Though some patients have asymptomatic lesions, many tears cause pain and diminished athletic performance. Accurate diagnosis of SLAP lesions can be challenging as the sensitivity and specificity of both the physical exam and advanced imaging is questionable. Management is also difficult, as treatment can be life-altering or career-ending for many athletes. If first-line nonoperative treatment fails, surgical options may be considered. The optimal surgical management of SLAP lesions in athletes is debated. Historically, return to play (RTP) rates among athletes who have undergone arthroscopic SLAP repair have been unsatisfactory, prompting clinicians to seek alternate surgical options. Biceps tenodesis (BT) has been postulated to eliminate biceps tendon-related pain in the shoulder and is increasingly used as a primary procedure for SLAP lesions. The purpose of this text is to review the current literature on the surgical management of SLAP lesions in athletes with an emphasis on the role of BT.

Reported Technical Aspects of Type II SLAP Lesion Repairs in Athletes

Purpose

To systematically review the available literature to further describe and report the available data on SLAP repair techniques and the association with outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review of literature was performed on manuscripts describing type II SLAP repairs in athletes. Selection criteria included studies reporting exclusively type II SLAP tears without concomitant pathology, minimum 2-year postoperative follow-up, use of anchor fixation, and return to previous level of play data available. We extracted patient outcome as well as surgical construct details from each article. Average outcomes and return to play rates were calculated and substratified further by athlete type. Return to play rates were compared by repair constructs with the Student t test.

Results

Initial search resulted in 107 articles. After exclusion criteria were applied, 17 articles were included in the final analysis. Overall, 84% of patients had good-to-excellent results. Of all athletes, 66% returned to previous level of play. There was significant variation in reported technique in terms of anchor number, location, material, suture type, and knotless versus knotted constructs. No significant difference was reported in outcomes in comparison of suture type (P-value .96) or knotted versus knotless constructs (P-value .91). Given the significant variability in reporting, no statistical analysis was felt able to be performed on anchor location and number.

Conclusions

Repair of type II SLAP tears in athletes is a difficult problem to treat with overall low return to play despite a high rate of “good” outcomes when assessed by outcome measures. Significant variability exists in surgical technique, as well as reporting of surgical technique, potentially limiting the ability to define the best or most effective technique for SLAP repair.

Level of Evidence

IV, systematic review of level III and level IV studies.

The Fifty Most-Cited Articles Regarding SLAP Lesions

Purpose

To identify and evaluate the top 50 most-cited articles pertaining to SLAP tears.

Methods

The ISI Web of Knowledge database was used to conduct a query for articles pertaining to SLAP tears. Our query was conducted in April 2020 with multiple Boolean operative combinations performed by 2 independent reviewers. Articles on the final list were further reviewed to extract the following data: manuscript title, first author, total citation count, year of publication, citation density since publication, current citation rate since 2013, journal, country of origin, and level of evidence.

Results

Our initial search yielded 2,597 articles. Within this cohort, the top 50 publications pertaining to SLAP tears were identified that met our search criteria. The top article was cited 802 times while the 50th ranked article was cited 46 times. The average number of citations per publication was 131, whereas the average citation density since year of publication was 7.3. No strong correlations were found between citation density and year published. Twelve journals published articles pertaining to SLAP tears, with Arthroscopy accounting for the greatest number (15 articles, 30%). Most articles were graded with a level of evidence (LOE) of IV (n = 24, 48%), followed by review articles without LOE (n = 8, 16%). Only 2 articles achieved an LOE of I (4%). Articles typically addressed the arthroscopic management (n = 11, 22%), whereas anatomy/classification (n =10, 20%), and outcomes (n = 9, 18%) also were reported.

Conclusions

This review provides a quantitative analysis of the most-referenced literature pertaining to SLAP tears. This body of knowledge helps surgeons search for literature regarding these injuries and identify trends regarding SLAP tear research.

Clinical Relevance

This research provides practitioners with an easily accessible and comprehensive collection of the major contributions regarding SLAP tears and offers insight into future areas for research.

Return to Play After Biceps Tenodesis and Transfer in a Young, Athletic Population

The goal of this study was to investigate the level of play that can be expected in a young, athletic population after biceps tenodesis and transfer. The authors hypothesized that both return to play rates and clinical improvement would be high after biceps tenodesis and transfer among young athletes. They conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent biceps tenodesis and transfer procedures with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Eligible patients were contacted for consent and asked to complete a questionnaire on patient-reported, shoulder-specific outcome measure scores, level of postoperative play, and other relevant information. The study included 41 patients with a mean age of 21.3 years. Patients reported a mean Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) score of 71.7, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH)-Sports score of 21.3, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score of 79.4, and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score of 1.8. Scores for all patient-reported outcome measures were statistically better (P<.05) for patients who underwent biceps transfer (n=24) compared with biceps tenodesis (n=17). Of the participants, 26 (63%) played a primary overhead throwing sport. Most of the patients (95%) returned to play, and of those who returned to play, 67% returned to their preoperative level or higher. Although biceps tenodesis and transfer procedures have been designated primarily for older patients with biceps-labral complex injuries, the high return to play rates and outcome scores of patients in this case series show that biceps tenodesis and transfer can provide effective surgical treatment for a younger athletic population with biceps-labral complex injuries. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(1):e13-e18.].

Comparing clinical outcomes between rotator cuff repairs, SLAP repairs, and combined repairs

BACKGROUND

Superior labrum lesion from anterior to posterior (SLAP) often presents together with other shoulder pathologies such as rotator cuff tear (RCT), but it is uncertain if repairing both SLAP and RCT has superior clinical outcomes over isolated repairs of SLAP and RCT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study with prospectively collected data, reviewing 157 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of either RCT, SLAP (type II lesion), or both. Before surgery and after 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks, shoulder objective range of motion and strength were measured, patient-reported function and pain was assessed by the modified L'Insalata questionnaire with a Likert scale, and complications after each repair were examined.

RESULTS

At 24 weeks after surgery, the combined group (n = 22) and SLAP group (n = 47) had significantly higher forward flexion (165° ± 4° and 167° ± 4° vs. 154° ± 3°, P = .01 and P = .01), external rotation strength (82 ± 6 N, 81 ± 6 N vs. 61 ± 3 N, P = .01 and P = .01), and abduction strength (94 ± 14 N, 78 ± 8 N vs. 53 ± 3 N, P = .001 and P = .02) compared with the rotator cuff tear repair (RCR) group (n = 88). The combined group also had stronger internal rotation than the RCR group (107 ± 12 N vs. 72 ± 4 N, P = .02). Function and pain improved from "severe-moderate" to "moderate-mild" in all groups after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Repairing RCT and SLAP tears together results in significant clinical benefits compared to repairing just RCT and analogous results against SLAP-only repair.

Postoperative Evaluation of Patients Submitted to Arthroscopic Repair of Anterior Shoulder Instability

Objective  To clinically evaluate the results of patients undergoing arthroscopic surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability. Methods  A retrospective study of 94 patients. With a minimum follow-up of 24 months, we sought to correlate the characteristics of the patients and the surgery, such as age, gender, type of injury (traumatic or atraumatic) and the patient's position during surgery (lateral decubitus and beach chair) with the results obtained, the recurrence rate, the lateral rotation loss, the residual pain, and the functional scores of Carter-Rowe, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), and Constant-Murley. Results  We observed a recurrent dislocation rate of 11.7%, lateral rotation loss in 37.23% of the patients, and some degree of residual pain in 51.6% of them. We obtained a mean Carter Rowe score of 85.37, representing 86% of good/excellent results. In the UCLA score, we obtained 88% of good/excellent results, similar to those obtained in the Constant-Murley score (86%). Conclusion  The arthroscopic treatment of the anterior instability of the shoulder presents satisfactory results and low index of important complications, being the method of choice for most patients.

Adolescent Posterior-Superior Glenoid Labral Pathology: Does Involvement of the Biceps Anchor Make a Difference?

BACKGROUND

Adolescent athletes are at risk of sustaining an injury to the posterior and superior labrum of the glenoid. Limited information is available regarding the outcomes of surgical intervention in this specific age cohort.

PURPOSE

To compare those patients with pure posterior pathology and those with posterior labral tears that involve the biceps anchor (superior labrum anterior-posterior [SLAP] tears) to determine risks for failure in the surgical management.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on all patients under the age of 19 years over an 8-year period to identify those treated for superior and posterior labral pathology, followed by chart review, radiographic review, and arthroscopic findings. Patient characteristics and other variables were recorded, including cause (traumatic vs atraumatic), activity/sports (overhead vs nonoverhead), involvement of the biceps anchor-crossing the 12-o'clock position (posterior vs SLAP), associated pathologies, outcome scores (Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation [SANE] and Pediatric/Adolescent Shoulder Survey [PASS] scores), and complications.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients (30 boys, 18 girls) with a mean age at surgery of 16.5 years (range, 13.5-19 years) were identified who met criteria, with a mean follow-up of 4.1 years (range, 1.3-6.9 years). Nineteen patients had SLAP tears and 29 patients had posterior tears. All but 2 regularly participated in sports at the time of their injury; of the athletes, 26 (56.5%) played an overhead sport and 20 (43.5%) played a nonoverhead sport. The cause of the injury was traumatic in 25 cases (52.1%) and atraumatic in 23 cases (47.9%). Outcome scores were not significantly different between cause or type of sports played; SANE scores were not significantly different by tear type (mean SLAP score, 88.4 compared with mean posterior score, 80.9; P = .124); but the mean PASS score in the SLAP group was 88.7, compared with 76.2 in the posterior group (P = .005) at final assessment. Only 1 SLAP patient had failed management (5.3%) compared with 5 patients in the posterior-only cohort (17.2%).

CONCLUSION

Posterior SLAP tears have better outcomes and lower failure rates than posterior-only tears in the adolescent population. Posterior-superior labral tears can occur in all sports types with multiple causes, but the only factor that appears to play a role in ultimate outcome is whether the tear crosses under the biceps anchor to the anterior side.

Superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) injury in the workplace

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) injuries are widely recognised as a cause of pain and dysfunction in the shoulders of active patients. The aims of the present study were to analyze SLAP injuries in the workplace, and to evaluate the reliability of physical examination and imaging techniques for the diagnosis of work-related SLAP injuries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective chart review of 58 SLAP injuries treated in our occupational health centre from 2005 to 2015 in 815 patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy. Data were collected on mechanism of injury, clinical proceedings, complementary tests (contrasting the initial magnetic resonance imaging report with that of a radiologist specializing in musculoskeletal pathology), arthroscopy findings and treatments performed.

RESULTS

The most common mechanism of injury was acute injury while handling weight, in the majority of cases, above the head. SLAP injury was suspected in 41% of cases through anamnesis and physical exam, in 29% through the initial magnetic resonance imaging report, and in 52% through the specialised radiologist's report. In 78%, associated injuries were present, the most common being rotator cuff injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

SLAP injuries in the workplace are rare and are often a diagnostic finding during surgical intervention performed for a different associated injury. Arthro-magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance imaging have lower reliability than physical exams in the diagnosis of work-related SLAP injuries. A radiologist specializing in musculoskeletal pathology could probably improve the reliability of imaging test interpretation in work-related SLAP injuries.

Return to Sport After the Surgical Treatment of Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior Tears: A Systematic Review

Background:

Controversy exists as to the optimal treatment of superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears in athletes. There are no systematic reviews evaluating return-to-sport (RTS) rates after arthroscopic SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis.

Purpose:

To compare the overall RTS rates in patients with primary type 2 SLAP tears who were managed with arthroscopic SLAP repair versus biceps tenodesis.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A review was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines by searching the MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), and Cochrane Library databases. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies that evaluated RTS rates after arthroscopic SLAP repair, arthroscopic SLAP repair with partial rotator cuff debridement, and biceps tenodesis. The studies were analyzed for quality and inclusion in the final analysis. Data relevant to RTS rates were then extracted and compiled, and outcomes were compared.

Results:

Of the 337 studies initially identified, 15 (501 patient-athletes) met inclusion criteria. These consisted of 195 patients who underwent isolated arthroscopic SLAP repair (mean age, 31 years; mean follow-up, 3.2 years), 222 patients who underwent arthroscopic SLAP repair with partial rotator cuff debridement (mean age, 22 years; mean follow-up, 5.1 years), and 84 patients who underwent biceps tenodesis (mean age, 42 years; mean follow-up, 3.3 years). The overall RTS rates were high for all 3 procedures (SLAP repair, 79.5%; SLAP repair with rotator cuff debridement, 76.6%; biceps tenodesis, 84.5%), with biceps tenodesis having the highest overall rate. Biceps tenodesis also had the highest RTS rate at the preinjury level (78.6%) compared with SLAP repair (63.6%) and SLAP repair with rotator cuff debridement (66.7%).

Conclusion:

Primary arthroscopic SLAP repair, arthroscopic SLAP repair with partial rotator cuff debridement, and biceps tenodesis all provide high RTS rates. Biceps tenodesis as an operative treatment of primary SLAP lesions may demonstrate an overall higher RTS rate when compared with traditional SLAP repair in older athletes. More, higher level studies are needed that control for age, level of activity, and type of sport (overhead vs nonoverhead) to determine the efficacy of biceps tenodesis as a primary alternative to arthroscopic SLAP repair in young athletes who present with type 2 SLAP tears.

Open versus arthroscopic surgery in acromioclavicular separation

Acromioclavicular separation is a very serious injury at the level of shoulder. Lesion of the acromioclavicular joint is a usual clinical condition because of its superficial situation. It is often involved in trauma of the shoulder girdle. Rockwood classification involves VI types of modifications. First three types are treated conservatively, type IV to VI surgically. Arthroscopic techniques, lead to same middle and long-term results as open surgery. Arthroscopic procedures have theoretical advantages of no deltoid disruption and may help the surgeon to diagnose and treat associated lesions such as rotator cuff ruptures. More recently, arthroscopic surgeries for fresh and/or chronic acromioclavicular disjunctions were proposed. We analyzed 13 cases of acromioclavicular separation: 7 cases were treated with open surgery and 6 arthroscopically using tightrope, or dog bone button.

Is Anatomical Healing Essential for Better Clinical Outcome in Type II SLAP Repair? Clinico-Radiological Outcome after Type II SLAP Repair

Background

We hypothesized that anatomical healing in superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) repair is associated with good clinical outcome. The purposes of this study were to assess the failure rate of anatomical healing after arthroscopic repair of SLAP lesions using computed tomography arthrography (CTA), investigate correlation of the rate with clinical outcomes, and identify prognostic factors for anatomical failure following SLAP repair.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of 43 patients at a minimum follow-up of 1 year after arthroscopic surgery for SLAP lesions or SLAP lesions associated with Bankart lesions. Twenty-eight patients underwent isolated SLAP repair and 15 patients underwent Bankart repair with SLAP repair. The anatomical outcome was assessed using CTA at 1 year after surgery. Clinical outcomes including visual analogue scale for pain and satisfaction and Constant score were assessed at the final follow-up. We investigated clinical failure that was defined as stiffness, loss of maximum rotation, deterioration of pain, and/or need for revision of surgery.

Results

Anatomical failure occurred in 32.6% of patients (14/43), whereas 16.3% of patients (7/43) had clinical failure. Clinicoradiological assessment revealed that clinical failure occurred only in 7.1% of patients (1/14) with unhealed SLAP lesions, whereas it occurred in 20.7% of patients (6/29) with healed SLAP lesions. Isolated SLAP repair resulted in a higher risk of anatomical failure (risk ratio, 7.0) than combined SLAP repair (p = 0.015). Nonoverhead activities were associated with higher risk of anatomical failure (risk ratio, 2.9; p = 0.041). Patients above 35 years of age had more risk of anatomical failure (risk ratio, 3.5; p = 0.010). Clinical outcomes significantly improved regardless of anatomical failure (p < 0.001) and were not significantly different between unhealed and healed repairs (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Since patients with unhealed SLAP lesions had less clinical failure than patients with healed SLAP lesions, anatomical healing does not seem essential for better clinical outcome of SLAP II repair, especially in patients with higher healing failure risk (isolated SLAP repair, nonoverhead activities, and above 35 years of age). Therefore, we believe the indications of SLAP repair should be narrowed to avoid overtreatment.

National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Evaluation, Management, and Outcomes of and Return-to- Play Criteria for Overhead Athletes With Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior Injuries

OBJECTIVE

  To present recommendations for the diagnosis, management, outcomes, and return to play of athletes with superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) injuries.

BACKGROUND

  In overhead athletes, SLAP tears are common as either acute or chronic injuries. The clinical guidelines presented here were developed based on a systematic review of the current evidence and the consensus of the writing panel. Clinicians can use these guidelines to inform decision making regarding the diagnosis, acute and long-term conservative and surgical treatment, and expected outcomes of and return-to-play guidelines for athletes with SLAP injuries.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  Physical examination tests may aid diagnosis; 6 tests are recommended for confirming and 1 test is recommended for ruling out a SLAP lesion. Combinations of tests may be helpful to diagnose SLAP lesions. Clinical trials directly comparing outcomes between surgical and nonoperative management are absent; however, in cohort trials, the reports of function and return-to-sport outcomes are similar for each management approach. Nonoperative management that includes rehabilitation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections is recommended as the first line of treatment. Rehabilitation should address deficits in shoulder internal rotation, total arc of motion, and horizontal-adduction motion, as well as periscapular and glenohumeral muscle strength, endurance, and neuromuscular control. Most researchers have examined the outcomes of surgical management and found high levels of satisfaction and return of shoulder function, but the ability to return to sport varied widely, with 20% to 94% of patients returning to their sport after surgical or nonoperative management. On average, 55% of athletes returned to full participation in prior sports, but overhead athletes had a lower average return of 45%. Additional work is needed to define the criteria for diagnosing and guiding clinical decision making to optimize outcomes and return to play.

Biceps Tenodesis and Intra-articular Decompression for Treatment of Superior Labral Tear from Anterior to Posterior and Associated Paralabral Cyst in Active Duty Military

Background

To examine the outcomes of combined biceps tenodesis and indirect, intra-articular arthroscopic paralabral cyst decompression for the treatment of active duty military patients with superior labral from anterior to posterior tears and associated paralabral cysts.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of all active duty patients at our institution from 2011 to 2014 with superior labral from anterior to posterior tears and associated paralabral cysts at the spinoglenoid notch treated with biceps tenodesis and indirect arthroscopic cyst decompression. Patient charts were examined for pre- and post-operative parameters including strength, range of motion, visual analog scale pain score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon Score, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation Score.

Results

Seven patients met study criteria. All patients presented with chronic shoulder pain and decreased external rotation strength, and three patients had clinically apparent muscular atrophy. Pre- and post-operative assessment showed external rotation strength increased from a median of 4 (range 4-4) to 5 (range 4-5; p-value = 0.014), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation increased from a median of 50 (range 0-70) to 75 (range 30-95; p-value = 0.031), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon increased from a median of 46.0 (range 32.0-58.0) to 66.5 (range 58.0-98.0; p-value = 0.068), and visual analog scale pain score decreased from a median of 3 (range 1-8) to 0 (range 0-5; p-value = 0.017). Median follow-up was 66 wk (range 36-138 wk). The change was statistically significant (p <0.05) for external rotation strength, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and VAS reduction. Post-operatively, all patients returned to full duty at a median of 20 wk (range 12-36 wk).

Conclusion

The use of biceps tenodesis in conjunction with indirect, intra-articular arthroscopic paralabral cyst decompression is an effective technique in an active patient population with superior labral from anterior to posterior tear with associated paralabral cyst.

Incidence and Return to Play After Biceps Tenodesis in Professional Baseball Players

PURPOSE

To determine return to play (RTP) rates after biceps tenodesis (BT) in professional baseball players.

METHODS

Major League Baseball has maintained a prospective database containing all major and minor league baseball players who have undergone shoulder surgery since 2010. All players who had undergone BT were included. Minimum follow-up was 24 months, and thus we included data from 2010 to 2013. Using this database we determined the incidence, demographics, prior surgery history, concomitant procedures, RTP rates, and time to RTP.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2013, 17 professional baseball players underwent BT. Seventy-one percent of the 17 were pitchers, and 29% of the 17 were in the major league. Forty-seven percent of the 17 had a history of a prior shoulder surgery and 47% of the 17 underwent concomitant labral repair. For all players, RTP after BT was 35%, whereas RTP after BT without a concomitant reconstructive procedure was 44% in 10 ± 6 months, and 25% for those who underwent both BT and a concomitant reconstructive procedure (P = .620). All players who RTP were able to return to at least 20 games at their preoperative level of play. Return to professional play was 80% among position players and 17% among pitchers (P = .028). For those pitchers who RTP, performance was not statistically changed.

CONCLUSIONS

Professional baseball players who undergo BT have a 35% rate of return to their prior level of play. Whereas pitchers have only a 17% rate of RTP, position players have an 80% rate of RTP. Of those who returned, all returned to their prior level of play. The pitchers who returned had no significant change in performance statistics.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study, a case series.

Concomitant glenohumeral pathologies in high-grade acromioclavicular separation (type III - V)

BACKGROUND

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations are common injuries of the shoulder associated with physical activity. The diagnosis of concomitant injuries proves complicated due to the prominent clinical symptoms of acute ACJ dislocation. Because of increasing use of minimally invasive surgery techniques concomitant pathologies are diagnosed more often than with previous procedures.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of concomitant intraarticular injuries in patients with high-grade acromioclavicular separation (Rockwood type III - V) as well as to reveal potential risk constellations. The concomitant pathologies were compiled during routine arthroscopically assisted treatment in altogether 163 patients (147 male; 16 female; mean age 36.8 years) with high-grade acromioclavicular separation (Rockwood type III: n = 60; Rockwood type IV: n = 6; Rockwood type V: n = 97).

RESULTS

Acromioclavicular separation occurred less often in women than men (1:9). In patients under 35, the most common cause for ACJ dislocation was sporting activity (37.4%). Rockwood type V was observed significantly more often than the other types with 57.5% (Rockwood type III = 36.8%, Rockwood type IV 3.7%). Concomitant pathologies were diagnosed in 39.3% of the patients with that number rising to as much as 57.3% in patients above 35 years. Most common associated injuries were rotator cuff injuries (32.3%), chondral defects (30.6%) and SLAP-lesions (22.6%). Of all patients, 8.6% needed additional reconstructive surgery.

CONCLUSION

Glenohumeral injuries are a much more common epiphenomenon during acromioclavicular separation than previously ascertained. High risk group for accompanying injuries are patients above 35 years with preexisting degenerative disease. The increasing use of minimally invasive techniques allows for an easier diagnosis and simultaneous treatment of the additional pathologies.

MRI to Arthroscopy Correlations in SLAP Lesions and Long Head Biceps Pathology

Superior labral anterior and posterior lesions and long head biceps injury are 2 common sources of shoulder pain. The presenting complaints and physical examination findings for these etiologies are often nonspecific, making diagnosis challenging. Further complicating their diagnoses, these 2 pathologies often cooccur together or with other shoulder pathologies such as subacromial bursitis, rotator cuff tear, and shoulder instability. However, with advancement in magnetic resonance imaging and shoulder arthroscopy techniques the ability to diagnose and treat these pathologies has vastly improved over the past 30 years. This review provides a case-based description of the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopic findings in common superior labral anterior and posterior and long head biceps injury, accompanied with current management strategies.

Clinical outcomes of non-operative treatment for patients presenting SLAP lesions in diagnostic provocative tests and MR arthrography

PURPOSE

In the present prospective study, the functional outcomes of non-operative treatment were evaluated in patients aged between 30 and 45 years presenting SLAP lesion in diagnostic provocative tests and magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography.

METHODS

Forty-six patients with a symptomatic SLAP lesion who participated in recreational level of sports were prospectively enroled. SLAP lesion was diagnosed using combinations of several clinical tests and MR arthrography findings. All patients were treated with intra-articular corticosteroid injections, followed by rotator cuff and periscapular muscle-strengthening exercises. Patients with persistent discomfort after second injection underwent arthroscopic SLAP repair. Functional outcomes were evaluated using ASES and Constant scores, and pain and satisfaction for visual analogue scale (VAS).

RESULTS

Pain had significantly improved from 5.2 ± 2.2 to 1.0 ± 1.1 (p < 0.001) in all patients after the first corticosteroid injection. SLAP symptoms relapsed in 12 patients at an average of 2.4 months after the first injection. Symptoms were relieved in 5 of 12 patients after the second injection and strengthening exercises. The remaining seven patients underwent arthroscopic SLAP repair. Thirty-nine patients (85 %) who were treated non-operatively showed improved VAS, Constant, and ASES scores at final follow-up (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

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.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Non-operative management using combined intra-articular corticosteroid injection with rotator cuff and periscapular strengthening exercises could be applied as primary treatment for patients with symptomatic SLAP lesion who participate in recreational level of sports.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Risk Factors for Revision Surgery After Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior Repair: A National Perspective

BACKGROUND

Data regarding risk factors for revision surgery after superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) repair are limited to institutional series.

PURPOSE

To define risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair among patients in a large national database.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A national insurance database was queried for patients undergoing arthroscopic SLAP repair (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code 29807) for the diagnosis of a SLAP tear. Patients without a CPT modifier for laterality were excluded. Revision surgery was defined as (1) subsequent ipsilateral SLAP repair (CPT 29807), (2) ipsilateral arthroscopic debridement for the diagnosis of a SLAP tear (CPT 29822 or 29823, with diagnosis code 840.7), (3) subsequent ipsilateral arthroscopic biceps tenodesis (CPT 29828), (4) subsequent ipsilateral open biceps tenodesis (CPT 23430), and (5) subsequent biceps tenotomy (CPT 23405). Multivariable binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair, including patient demographics/comorbidities, concomitant diagnoses, and concomitant procedures performed. Odds ratios (ORs), 95% CIs, and P values were calculated. The estimated financial impact of revision surgery was also calculated.

RESULTS

There were 4751 patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, 121 patients (2.5%) required revision surgery after SLAP repair. Regression analysis identified numerous risk factors for revision surgery, including age >40 years (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8; P = .045), female sex (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.8; P = .010), obesity (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5-2.2; P = .001), smoking (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.6-2.4; P < .0001), and diagnosis of biceps tendinitis (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 3.0-4.2; P < .0001) or long head of the biceps tearing (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 4.1-6.3; P < .0001) at or before the time of surgery. Concomitant rotator cuff repair and distal clavicle excision were not significant risk factors for revision surgery. The cost of revision surgery averaged almost $9000.

CONCLUSION

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. The diagnosis of biceps tendinitis (OR, 3.5) or long head of the biceps tearing (OR, 5.1) at or before the time of surgery was an especially significant risk factor for revision surgery. The high cost of revision surgery highlights the importance of appropriate indications to avoid the need for subsequent procedures.

Wearable IMU for Shoulder Injury Prevention in Overhead Sports

Body-worn inertial sensors have enabled motion capture outside of the laboratory setting. In this work, an inertial measurement unit was attached to the upper arm to track and discriminate between shoulder motion gestures in order to help prevent shoulder over-use injuries in athletics through real-time preventative feedback. We present a detection and classification approach that can be used to count the number of times certain motion gestures occur. The application presented involves tracking baseball throws and volleyball serves, which are common overhead movements that can lead to shoulder and elbow overuse injuries. Eleven subjects are recruited to collect training, testing, and randomized validation data, which include throws, serves, and seven other exercises that serve as a large null class of similar movements, which is analogous to a realistic usage scenario and requires a robust estimator.

Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior (SLAP) Tears in the Military

Context:

Given the notable physical demands placed on active members of the military, comprehension of recent trends in management and outcomes of superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears in this patient population is critical for successful treatment.

Evidence Acquisition:

Electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase, were reviewed for the years 1985 through 2016.

Study Design:

Database review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 5.

Results:

Active members of the military are at increased risk of sustaining shoulder injuries, particularly SLAP tears. Recent trends in management of SLAP lesions have shifted toward operative intervention. In the correct patient population, repairs of superior labrum tears demonstrate improved function and pain. Surgical repair of SLAP tears, especially in young and active military personnel, is supported.

Conclusion:

Military personnel are at greater risk of suffering a SLAP tear in comparison with their civilian counterparts. Surgical repair of these lesions is advocated in this subpopulation when the patient is younger than approximately 36 years of age, and if older, biceps tenodesis is likely superior.

High Prevalence of Superior Labral Tears Diagnosed by MRI in Middle-Aged Patients With Asymptomatic Shoulders

Background:

The incidence of superior labral surgery has increased in the past decade in the United States, and a contributing factor could be an increased rate of superior labral tears diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Prior MRI studies of the asymptomatic shoulder have focused on rotator cuff pathology or pathology in a narrow and specific group of athletes. Labral abnormalities have not previously been thoroughly evaluated in asymptomatic middle-aged individuals.

Purpose:

To evaluate the prevalence of superior labral tears diagnosed by MRI in the asymptomatic shoulders of middle-aged people (age range, 45-60 years).

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 53 asymptomatic adults (age range, 45-60 years) with no history of surgery or injury to either shoulder were included in the study. Physical examinations of all shoulders were performed. Noncontrast MRI (1.5 T) was performed in 1 randomly determined shoulder of each subject. Two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists who were blinded to the purpose of the study and ages of the subjects evaluated each MRI.

Results:

Radiologists interpreted the MRIs as consistent with superior labral tears in 55% and 72% of the cohort. Comparison of the radiological evaluations of the superior labra were moderate (κ = 0.410, P = .033). There were no differences in readings for superior labral tear regarding age (P = .87), sex (P = .41), whether the dominant shoulder underwent MRI (P = .99), whether the subject worked a physical job (P = .08), or whether the subject participated in overhead sports for a period of 1 year (P = .62).

Conclusion:

Superior labral tears are diagnosed with high frequency using MRI in 45- to 60-year-old individuals with asymptomatic shoulders. These shoulder MRI findings in middle-aged populations emphasize the need for supporting clinical judgment when making treatment decisions for this patient population.

Clinical Relevance:

To avoid overtreatment, physicians should realize that superior labral tears diagnosed by MRI in individuals between the ages of 45 and 60 years may be normal age-related findings.

Superior labral anterior posterior lesions of the shoulder: Current diagnostic and therapeutic standards

Surgical treatment of superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) lesion becomes more and more frequent which is the consequence of evolving progress in both, imaging and surgical technique as well as implants. The first classification of SLAP lesions was described in 1990, a subdivision in four types existed. The rising comprehension of pathology and pathophysiology in SLAP lesions contributed to increase the types in SLAP classification to ten. Concerning the causative mechanism of SLAP lesions, acute trauma has to be differed from chronic degeneration. Overhead athletes tend to develop a glenohumeral internal rotation deficit which forms the basis for two controversial discussed potential mechanisms of pathophysiology in SLAP lesions: Internal impingement and peel-back mechanism. Clinical examination often remains unspecific whereas soft tissue imaging such as direct or indirect magnetic resonance arthrography has technically improved and is regarded to be indispensable in detection of SLAP lesions. Concomitant pathologies as Bankart lesions, rotator cuff tears or perilabral cysts should be taken into consideration when planning a personalized therapeutic strategy. In addition, normal variants such as sublabral recess, sublabral hole, Buford complex and other less common variants have to be distinguished. The most frequent SLAP type II needs a sophisticated approach when surgical teatment comes into consideration. While SLAP repair is considered to be the standard operative option, overhead athletes benefit from a biceps tenodesis because improved patient-reported satisfaction and higher rate of return to pre-injury level of sports has been reported.

SLAP Repairs With Combined Procedures Have Lower Failure Rate Than Isolated Repairs in a Military Population: Surgical Outcomes With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Injuries to the superior glenoid labrum represent a significant cause of shoulder pain among active patients. The physical requirements of military service may contribute to an increased risk of injury. Limited data are available regarding the success of superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) repairs in an active military population.

PURPOSE

To quantify the rate of clinical failure and surgical revision after isolated and combined SLAP repair.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

All consecutive active-duty servicemembers undergoing arthroscopic repair of type II SLAP lesions at a single institution between 2006 and 2012 were identified. Patients with less than 2-year clinical follow-up and nonmilitary status were excluded. Demographic variables, surgical variables, and occupational outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records and confirmed with the US Army Physical Disability Agency database. Failure was defined as subsequent revision surgery or medical discharge with persistent shoulder complaints.

RESULTS

A total of 192 patients with SLAP repair were identified with a mean follow-up of 50.0 months (SD, 17.0 months). Isolated SLAP repair occurred in 31.3% (n = 60) versus 68.8% (n = 132) with concomitant procedures. At final follow-up, 37.0% (n = 71) of patients reported some subjective activity-related shoulder pain. Postoperative return to duty occurred in 79.6% (n = 153), and only 20.3% (n = 39) were discharged with continuing shoulder disability. The combined rotator cuff repair (96%; P = .023) and anteroinferior labral repair group (88%; P = .056) had a higher rate of functional return than isolated SLAP repair (70%). Thirty-one (16.1%) patients were classified as surgical failure and required revision. Of these, the majority of patients undergoing biceps tenodesis (76%) returned to active duty, as compared with revision SLAP repair (17%). Lower demand occupation and the presence of combined shoulder injuries (P = .011 and .016, respectively) were significantly associated with a lower risk of medical discharge and revision surgery, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Favorable outcomes can be anticipated in the majority of military servicemembers after arthroscopic SLAP repair, particularly with combined shoulder injuries. Revision surgery occurred in 16% of patients after primary SLAP repair.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Isolated repair of unstable SLAP lesions and/or increased upper extremity demands are associated with higher failure rates in this population.

Trends in the diagnosis of SLAP lesions in the US military

PURPOSE

Shoulder pathology, particularly SLAP (superior labrum anterior-posterior) lesions, is prevalent in overhead athletes and physically active individuals. The aim of this study is to quantify the burden of SLAP lesions in the military and establish risk factors for diagnosis.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all service members diagnosed with a SLAP lesion (International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision code 840.70) in the Defense Medical Epidemiological Database between 2002 and 2009 was performed. Available epidemiological risk factors including age, sex, race, military rank, and branch of service were evaluated using multivariate Poisson regression analysis, and cumulative and subgroup incidence rates were calculated.

RESULTS

During the study period, approximately 23,632 SLAP lesions were diagnosed among a population at risk of 11,082,738, resulting in an adjusted incidence rate of 2.13 per 1,000 person-years. The adjusted annual incidence rate for SLAP lesions increased from 0.31 cases per 1,000 person-years in 2002 to 1.88 cases per 1,000 person-years in 2009, with an average annual increase of 21.2 % (95 % CI 20.7 %, 22.0 %, p < 0.0001) during the study period. Age, sex, race, branch of military service, and military rank were independent risk factors associated with the incidence rate of SLAP lesion (p < 0.01). Male service members were over twofold more likely (IRR, 2.12; 95 % CI 2.01, 2.23) to sustain a SLAP lesion when compared with females. Increasing age category was associated with a statistically significant increase in the incidence rate for SLAP lesions in the present study (p < 0.001). After controlling for the other variables, those individuals of white race, enlisted ranks, or Marine Corps service experienced the highest incidence rates for SLAP.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to establish the epidemiology of SLAP lesions within an active military cohort in the American population. Sex, age, race, military rank, and branch of military service were all independently associated with the incidence rate of SLAP lesions in this physically active population at high risk for shoulder injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Lesions and Associated Injuries: Return to Play in Elite Athletes

Background:

Superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions often cause shoulder pain, dysfunction, and instability. Professional athletes require a high level of shoulder function for competition and overhead activities.

Purpose:

To evaluate elite athletes who had arthroscopic surgery for common shoulder pathologies and SLAP lesions with a follow-up of more than 3 years. The associated intra-articular pathologies and return to play were documented.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Thirty-five shoulders in 34 elite athletes (4 women and 30 men; mean age, 25 years [range, 18-32 years]) had arthroscopic repair of SLAP lesions and accompanying Bankart or rotator cuff tears between January 2008 and November 2011. The documentation included patient symptoms, physical examination, radiological analysis with radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging. Shoulder function was evaluated preoperatively and at follow-up using American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) scores. The mean follow-up was 52 months.

Results:

Isolated SLAP lesions were seen in 17.1% of patients, SLAP lesions and partial cuff tear occurred in 25.7%, associated Bankart lesions in 37.1%, full-thickness rotator cuff tears in 8.6%, Bankart and posterior labrum lesions in 8.6%, and Bankart and full-thickness rotator cuff tears in 2.9%. Return to play was a mean 6.4 ± 1.5 months. The mean postoperative ASES and KJOC scores were 89.6 ± 4.6 and 80.9 ± 6.8, respectively, compared with preoperative scores of 64.0 ± 7.2 and 50.5 ± 10.3 (t test, P < .01).

Conclusion:

The majority (88.2%) of professional athletes returned to their preinjury levels. SLAP lesions may frequently occur with Bankart lesions and rotator cuff tears. A high rate of return to sport at the same level of athletic performance can be achieved by anatomic repair and effective rehabilitation.

Subpectoral biceps tenodesis for bicipital tendonitis with SLAP tear

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing subpectoral biceps tenodesis for bicipital tendonitis with a superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tear. Patients undergoing primary subpectoral biceps tenodesis for arthroscopically confirmed SLAP tears with signs or findings of bicipital tendonitis were included. An independent observer collected data prospectively as part of a data repository, which was then analyzed retrospectively. Primary outcome measures were the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and pain relief via visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcome measures included the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Constant, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and Short Form 12 (SF-12) scores. Twenty-eight patients with a mean±SD age of 43.7±13.4 years and a mean±SD follow-up of 2.0±1.0 years met inclusion criteria. Workers' compensation was involved with 43% of cases, and 46% of the included patients were manual laborers. Eight (32%) patients were athletes, and 88% of the athletes were overhead athletes. Intraoperatively, 15 (54%) patients had type I SLAP tears, 10 (36%) had type II SLAP tears, 1 (3%) had a type III SLAP tear, and 2 (7%) had type IV SLAP tears. Significant improvements were seen in the following outcome measures pre- vs postoperatively: ASES score (58±23 vs 89±18; P=.001), SST score (6.3±3.6 vs 10.6±3.3; P=.001), SANE score (54±24 vs 88±25; P=.003), VAS score (3.8±2.0 vs 1.1±1.8; P=.001), SF-12 overall score (35±6 vs 42±6; P=.001), and SF-12 physical component score (39±6 vs 50±10; P=.001). Overall satisfaction was excellent in 80% of patients. Subpectoral biceps tenodesis demonstrates excellent clinical outcomes in select patients with SLAP tears. [Orthopedics. 2015; 38(1):e48-e53.].

Postoperative restoration of upper extremity motion and neuromuscular control during the overhand pitch: evaluation of tenodesis and repair for superior labral anterior-posterior tears

BACKGROUND

Superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in overhand throwers. Treatment outcomes remain unpredictable, with a large percentage of athletes unable to return to sport. There is considerable debate about the optimal treatment between debridement, repair, and tenodesis.

HYPOTHESIS

Labral repair more closely restores neuromuscular control and motion during the overhand pitch than tenodesis of the long head of the biceps.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Eighteen pitchers, including 7 uninjured controls, 6 players pitching after SLAP repair, and 5 players pitching after subpectoral biceps tenodesis (BT), underwent simultaneous surface electromyographic measurement at 1500 Hz and motion analysis at 120 Hz with a 14-camera markerless motion analysis system and high-speed video (120 Hz) to confirm accurate motion tracking. Patients had undergone surgery at least 1 year previously and had returned to pitching with a painless shoulder.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in the long head of the biceps muscle, short head of the biceps muscle, deltoid, infraspinatus, or latissimus activity between controls, patients after SLAP repair, and patients after BT. The variability from pitch to pitch for each study participant was similar between groups. Based on visual inspection of the activity time plots, BT appeared to more closely restore the normal pattern of muscular activation within the long head of the biceps muscle than did SLAP repair. There were no significant differences between controls and postoperative patients in the majority of pitching kinematics; however, pitchers after SLAP repair showed significantly altered patterns of thoracic rotation (P = .034) compared with controls and were significantly less likely to fall into previously published normal values for lead knee flexion at front foot contact (P = .019).

CONCLUSION

While both BT and SLAP repair can restore physiologic neuromuscular control, pitchers who undergo SLAP repair may exhibit altered patterns of thoracic rotation when compared with controls and pitchers who undergo BT.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

While both tenodesis and SLAP repair can restore physiologic neuromuscular control, SLAP repair may alter pitching biomechanics.

Subpectoral biceps tenodesis for the treatment of type II and IV superior labral anterior and posterior lesions

BACKGROUND

Surgical repair remains the gold standard for most type II and type IV superior labral anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions that fail nonoperative management. However, most recently, there have been data demonstrating unacceptably high failure rates with primary repair of type II SLAP lesions. Biceps tenodesis may offer an acceptable, if not better, alternative to primary repair of SLAP lesions.

HYPOTHESIS

Subpectoral biceps tenodesis provides satisfactory, reproducible outcomes for the treatment of type II and type IV SLAP lesions.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Patients who underwent subpectoral biceps tenodesis and labral debridement for type II and type IV SLAP lesions by a single board-certified shoulder surgeon from 2006 to 2012 were evaluated. Exclusion criteria included those patients who underwent biceps tenodesis with an associated rotator cuff repair, anterior labral repair, or posterior labral repair. Outcome measures included the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and demographic data.

RESULTS

Between 2006 and 2012, a total of 36 subpectoral biceps tenodesis procedures were performed in 33 patients for type II or IV SLAP lesions. Twenty-six patients with 29 shoulder surgeries were available for follow-up. The average age was 46.7 years, with 16 male and 10 female patients participating in the study. The average follow-up was 40.17 months. There was a significant improvement in ASES and VAS scores: 48.1 and 6.4 preoperatively compared with 87.5 and 1.5 postoperatively, respectively (P < .001). There was no significant difference based on SLAP lesion type, patient age, or patient sex. Of 29 shoulders, 26 (89.66%) were able to return to the previous level of activity.

CONCLUSION

This study adds to the evolving literature supporting biceps tenodesis as a viable treatment for type II and IV SLAP lesions. Patient age had no effect on the outcomes. 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.

Superior labrum anterior-to-posterior repair incidence: a longitudinal investigation of community and academic databases

BACKGROUND

Superior labrum anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) lesion repair is controversial regarding indications and potential complications.

METHODS

Databases were used to determine the SLAP repair incidence compared with all orthopaedic procedures over a period of 10 years. In part A, the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System ambulatory surgery database was investigated from 2002 to 2009. In part B, the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development ambulatory surgery database was investigated from 2005 to 2009. In part C, the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) database was investigated from 2003 to 2010.

RESULTS

In part A, from 2002 to 2009, there was a 238% increase in SLAP repair volume compared with a 125% increase in all orthopaedic procedures. In part B, from 2005 to 2009, there was a 20.17% increase in SLAP repair volume compared with a decrease of 13.64% in all orthopaedic procedures. In part C, among candidates performing at least 1 SLAP repair, there was no statistically significant difference in likelihood of performing a SLAP repair (95% confidence interval, 0.973-1.003) in 2010 as compared with 2003 (P > .10).

CONCLUSIONS

There has been a significant increase in the incidence of SLAP repairs in the past 10 years in statewide databases. This pattern was not seen in the ABOS database, in which the annual volume of SLAP repairs remained stable over the same period. This suggests that SLAP lesions have been over-treated with surgical repair but that part II ABOS candidates are becoming more aware of the need to narrow indications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiology study, database analysis.

Disorders of the proximal and distal aspects of the biceps muscle

PROXIMAL ASPECT OF BICEPS: Tenodesis of the long head of the biceps may offer improved cosmesis, improved strength, and diminished activity-related pain compared with tenotomy, although comparative studies have shown similar outcomes in some patient populations. DISTAL ASPECT OF BICEPS: Operative treatment of both partial and complete distal biceps ruptures results in better outcomes compared with nonoperative care, although the optimal technique and fixation are yet to be determined. Nonoperative management is an acceptable treatment for patients willing to accept some loss of forearm supination and elbow flexion strength as well as changes in endurance and cosmesis.

Subpectoral biceps tenodesis for failed type II SLAP repair

Superior labrum anterior-posterior lesions are a common cause of shoulder pain. The diagnosis, classification, and indications for surgical intervention remain controversial, and mixed outcomes are associated with primary repair. Given the increasing prevalence of primary superior labrum anterior-posterior repairs in the United States, more surgeons will need to treat patients with poor primary results. A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed on patients who underwent subpectoral biceps tenodesis for failed type II superior labrum anterior-posterior repair by a single surgeon between January 2008 and December 2011. Primary outcome variables included pain via the visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Short Form 12 score. Secondary outcome variables included the Simple Shoulder Test and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores. Demographic and intraoperative information was recorded for each patient. A paired t test statistical analysis was performed with a P value less than .05 considered statistically significant. A total of 11 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 9 (82%) completed postoperative surveys at a mean 26-month follow-up. Mean visual analog scale scores improved from 4.1 to 2.5 (P=.03), Simple Shoulder Test scores from 5.4 to 9.3 (P=.005), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores from 54.5 to 78.0 (P=.002), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores from 42.5 to 70.4 (P=.001). Mean SF-12 (physical component) improved from 35.5 to 47.9 (P=.018). No failures or peri- or postoperative complications occurred. No patients required additional surgery. The findings suggest that subpectoral biceps tenodesis as a salvage for failed type II superior labrum anterior-posterior repair demonstrates improved results. Larger scale comparative studies are required to justify this technique.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of type 2 superior labral anterior posterior repairs in elite overhead athletes

BACKGROUND

Although there are multiple reports on surgical outcomes of type 2 superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) repairs, a literature review noted a paucity of data on clinical and radiological outcomes in elite overhead athletes.

PURPOSE

To determine midterm clinical outcomes of type 2 SLAP repairs in elite overhead athletes and whether labral integrity provides consistent return to play.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed of 24 elite overhead athletes who underwent arthroscopic type 2 SLAP repairs. There were 18 men and 6 women, and their mean age was 22.7 years (range, 19-30 years); the majority of them (16/24) were baseball players. Four outcome measures were used: visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, subjective feeling of recovery, and return to play. Multidetector computed tomographic arthrography was performed to evaluate labral integrity after surgery.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 45.8 months (range, 24-68 months), overall pain and function improved significantly. The VAS for pain was 5.7 preoperatively and 2.0 postoperatively (P < .01), and VAS for satisfaction was 8.6. The ASES score was 55.8 preoperatively and 87.1 postoperatively (P < .01). The overall mean value of subjective feeling of recovery was approximately 76%. Twelve of 24 athletes (50%) returned to play after the operation. Although there was a trend toward higher return rate in the other overhead athletes (75%) compared with the baseball players (38%), this trend did not reach statistical significance (P = .097). Labral retear with clinical significance was noted in 2 athletes who failed to return to play. Osteolysis was observed in 2 athletes, 1 of whom had a retear. A statistical relation between the integrity of the repair and return to play was not found (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic SLAP repairs show favorable clinical and radiological outcomes; however, the study findings raise a concern that return to play may still be problematic in elite baseball players. This study also indicates that labral healing does not ensure consistent return to play in elite overhead athletes.

A prospective analysis of 179 type 2 superior labrum anterior and posterior repairs: outcomes and factors associated with success and failure

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of type 2 superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) surgical outcomes with prospective data.

PURPOSE

To prospectively analyze the clinical outcomes of the arthroscopic treatment of type 2 SLAP tears in a young, active patient population, and to determine factors associated with treatment success and failure.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Over a 4-year period, 225 patients with a type 2 SLAP tear were prospectively enrolled. Two sports/shoulder-fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons performed repairs with suture anchors and a vertical suture construct. Patients were excluded if they underwent any additional repairs, including rotator cuff repair, labrum repair outside of the SLAP region, biceps tenodesis or tenotomy, or distal clavicle excision. Dependent variables were preoperative and postoperative assessments with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) scores and independent physical examinations. A failure analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with failure: age, mechanism of injury, preoperative outcome scores, and smoking. Failure was defined as revision surgery, mean ASES score below 70, or an inability to return to sports and work duties, which was assessed statistically with the Student t test and stepwise logarithmic regression.

RESULTS

There were 179 of 225 patients who completed the follow-up for the study (80%) at a mean of 40.4 months (range, 26-62 months). The mean preoperative scores (WOSI, 54%; SANE, 50%; ASES, 65) improved postoperatively (WOSI, 82%; SANE, 85%; ASES, 88) (P < .01). The mean postoperative range of motion was 159° of flexion, 151° of abduction, and 51° of external rotation at the side, which was less than the mean preoperative range of motion (164° of flexion, 166° of abduction, and 56° of external rotation at the side). Of the 179 patients, 66 patients (36.8%) met failure criteria. Fifty patients elected revision surgery. Advanced age within the cohort (>36 years) was the only factor associated with a statistically significant increase in the incidence of failure. Those who were deemed failed had a mean age of 39.2 years (range, 29-45 years) versus those who were deemed healed with a mean age of 29.7 years (range, 18-36 years) (P < .001). The relative risk for failure for patients older than 36 years was 3.45 (95% CI, 2.0-4.9).

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic SLAP repair provides a clinical and statistically significant improvement in shoulder outcomes. However, a reliable return to the previous activity level is limited; 37% of patients had failure, with a 28% revision rate. Age greater than 36 years was associated with a higher chance of failure. Additional work is necessary to determine the optimal diagnosis, indications, and surgical management for those with SLAP injuries.

Retrospective analysis of arthroscopic superior labrum anterior to posterior repair: prognostic factors associated with failure

Background. The purpose of this study was to report on any prognostic factors that had a significant effect on clinical outcomes following arthroscopic Type II SLAP repairs. Methods. Consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic Type II SLAP repair were retrospectively identified and invited to return for follow-up examination and questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed to determine associations between potential prognostic factors and failure of SLAP repair as defined by ASES of less than 50 and/or revision surgery. Results. Sixty-two patients with an average age of 36 ± 13 years met the study criteria with a mean followup of 3.3 years. There were statistically significant improvements in mean ASES score, forward elevation, and external rotation among patients. Significant associations were identified between ASES score less than 50 and age greater than 40 years; alcohol/tobacco use; coexisting diabetes; pain in the bicipital groove on examination; positive O'Brien's, Speed's, and/or Yergason's tests; and high levels of lifting required at work. There was a significant improvement in ASES at final followup. Conclusions. Patients younger than 20 and overhead throwers had significant associations with cases requiring revision surgery. The results from this study may be used to assist in patient selection for SLAP surgery.

Diagnosis and management of superior labral anterior posterior tears in throwing athletes

Injury to the superior glenoid labrum is increasingly recognized as a significant source of shoulder pain and dysfunction in the throwing athlete. Several theories have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) tears. The clinical examination of the superior labrum-biceps tendon complex remains challenging because of a high association of other shoulder injuries in overhead athletes. Many physical examination findings have high sensitivity and low specificity. Advances in soft tissue imaging such as magnetic resonance arthrography allow for improved detection of labrum and biceps tendon lesions, although correlation with history and physical examination is critical to identify symptomatic lesions. Proper treatment of throwers with SLAP tears requires a thorough understanding of the altered biomechanics and the indications for nonoperative management and arthroscopic treatment of these lesions.

Return to play after Type II superior labral anterior-posterior lesion repairs in athletes: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions are a common cause of pain and disability in athletes. Individual studies have suggested low patient satisfaction with SLAP repairs in throwing athletes in particular and it is unclear how frequently athletes return to their previous level of competetion.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We systematically reviewed the literature to determine (1) patient satisfaction and (2) return to play at previous level of competition among throwing athletes compared to all athletes who underwent repair of Type II SLAP tears using various types of fixation.

METHODS

We searched databases for English-language articles in peer-reviewed journals from 1950 to 2010 reporting Type II SLAP repairs with 2-year followup for our systematic review. A total of 506 patients with Type II SLAP tears were reviewed from 14 studies; of these, 327 had SLAP lesions repaired by anchor, 169 by tacks, and 10 by staples. Of the 506 patients, 198 were overhead athletes with a pooled subset of 81 identified baseball players.

RESULTS

For the entire patient population, 83% had "good-to-excellent" patient satisfaction and 73% returned to their previous level of play whereas only 63% of overhead athletes returned to their previous level of play. Anchor repair in overhead athletes resulted in a higher percentage of "good-to-excellent" patient satisfaction (88% versus 74%) and a slightly higher return to play rate (63% versus 57%) compared with tack repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Repair of Type II SLAP tears leads to a return to previous level of play in most patients. Overhead athletes appear to have a lower rate of return to level of previous of play. Anchor fixation appears to be the most favorable fixation in both subjective scores and return to previous level of play.