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

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.

Midterm Outcomes Following Combined Biceps Tenodesis and Anterior Labral Repair in Active Duty Military Patients Younger than 35 Years

BACKGROUND

Superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions and anterior instability are common causes of shoulder pain and dysfunction among active-duty members of the United States military. However, little data have been published regarding the surgical management of type V SLAP lesions.

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted subpectoral biceps tenodesis and anterior labral repair with those of arthroscopic SLAP repair (defined as contiguous repair spanning from the superior labrum to the anteroinferior labrum) for type V SLAP tears in active-duty military patients younger than 35 years.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

All consecutive patients from January 2010 to December 2015 who underwent arthroscopic SLAP repair or combined biceps tenodesis and anterior labral repair for a type V SLAP lesion with a minimum 5-year follow-up were identified. The decision to perform type V SLAP repair versus combined biceps tenodesis and anterior labral repair was based on the condition of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). Labral repair was performed in patients who had a type V SLAP tear with an otherwise clinically and anatomically healthy LHBT. Combined tenodesis and repair was performed in patients with evidence of LHBT abnormalities. Outcomes including the visual analog scale (VAS) score, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score, the Rowe instability score, and range of motion were collected preoperatively and postoperatively, and scores were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 84 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. All patients were active-duty service members at the time of surgery. A total of 44 patients underwent arthroscopic type V SLAP repair, and 40 patients underwent anterior labral repair with biceps tenodesis. The mean follow-up was 102.59 ± 20.98 months in the repair group and 94.50 ± 27.11 months in the tenodesis group (P = .1281). There were no significant differences in preoperative range of motion or outcome scores between the groups. Both groups experienced statistically significant improvements in outcome scores postoperatively (P < .0001 for all); however, compared with the repair group, the tenodesis group reported significantly better postoperative VAS (2.52 ± 2.36 vs 1.50 ± 1.91, respectively; P = .0328), SANE (86.82 ± 11.00 vs 93.43 ± 8.81, respectively; P = .0034), and ASES (83.32 ± 15.31 vs 89.90 ± 13.31, respectively; P = .0394) scores. There were no differences in the percentage of patients who achieved the minimal clinically important difference, substantial clinical benefit, and patient acceptable symptom state for the SANE and ASES between the groups. Overall, 34 patients in each group returned to preinjury levels of work (77.3% vs 85.0%, respectively; P = .3677), and 32 patients (72.7%) in the repair group and 33 patients (82.5%) in the tenodesis group returned to preinjury levels of sporting activity (P = .2850). There were no significant differences in the number of failures, revision surgical procedures, or patients discharged from the military between the groups (P = .0923, P = .1602, and P = .2919, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Both arthroscopic-assisted subpectoral biceps tenodesis combined with anterior labral repair and arthroscopic SLAP repair led to statistically and clinically significant increases in outcome scores, marked improvements in pain, and high rates of return to unrestricted active duty in military patients with type V SLAP lesions. The results of this study suggest that biceps tenodesis combined with anterior labral repair produces comparable outcomes to arthroscopic type V SLAP repair in active-duty military patients younger than 35 years.

Biceps Tenodesis cannot be used as primary treatment option in baseball pitchers with intact rotator cuff muscles

Background Surgeons remain hesitant to perform biceps tenodesis in athletes with type II superior labrum anterior-to-posterior tears due to the lack of reported clinical outcomes for individual overhead throwing sports and associated concerns that this may predispose the joint to instability. This study aimed to assess the effect of biceps tenodesis on shoulder stability for major overhead throwing sports to aid sport-specific surgical decision-making for athletes with type II superior labrum anterior-to-posterior tears.

METHODS

This is a combined modelling and experimental study. Motion data and external forces were measured from 13 participants performing five overhead throwing motions. These data served as input into a musculoskeletal shoulder model that quantifies shoulder stability and muscle loading.

FINDINGS

The loading of the long head of the biceps brachii decreases significantly following biceps tenodesis in three overhead throwing motions (p = 0.02). The loss in joint stability following biceps tenodesis is compensated by a non-significant increase in rotator cuff muscle force which maintains shoulder stability across all overhead throwing motions, except baseball pitching (p = 0.01). The presence of a full-thickness supraspinatus tear post biceps tenodesis further decreases shoulder stability in four of the five overhead throwing motions (p = 0.01).

INTERPRETATION

The study findings demonstrate that an increase in rotator cuff muscle force maintains joint stability for all overhead throwing motions post biceps tenodesis, except baseball pitching. As the presence of a full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus significantly reduces joint stability, biceps tenodesis may be used as a primary treatment in overhead throwing athletes with intact rotator cuff muscles, except baseball pitchers.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Controlled Laboratory Study; Level of Evidence 3.

Update on Performance and Return to Sport After Biceps Tenodesis in Professional Baseball Players

Background:

Bicipital disorders are common among overhead athletes, especially professional baseball players. The ideal treatment for bicipital problems in professional baseball players is unknown.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to determine the return-to-sport (RTS) rate and performance after RTS in professional baseball players who underwent biceps tenodesis. It was hypothesized that there will be a high RTS rate in this population, with no difference between the biceps tenodesis and control groups in the RTS rate or performance.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

All professional Major League Baseball players who underwent biceps tenodesis between 2014 and 2017 were included. Players with concomitant rotator cuff repair were excluded. Demographic and performance data (preoperative and postoperative) were recorded for each player. Performance metrics were then compared between players with biceps tenodesis and matched controls (no history of biceps tenodesis).

Results:

Included were 14 players (mean age, 27 ± 4 years; 12 pitchers, 2 position outfielders). Most surgeries (79%) were open subpectoral tenodeses, 2 were arthroscopic biceps transfers, and 1 was an arthroscopic suprapectoral tenodesis. Fixation methods included cortical button (42%), interference screw (25%), suture anchor (25%), and drill holes (8%). Most players (79%) underwent concomitant procedures (43% underwent superior labral anterior-posterior repairs). While 86% (12/14) were able to RTS, 50% (7/14) returned at the same or a higher level, and 50% of the whole study were either unable to return or returned to a lower level. Among pitchers, 100% (12/12) were able to RTS, but only 50% (6/12) were able to return to the same or a higher level. For those players who did RTS, it took 245 ± 84 days, and their performance after RTS was unchanged and did not differ from that of matched controls.

Conclusion:

Open subpectoral tenodesis was the most common tenodesis technique performed on professional baseball players. While 86% of players returned to sport after biceps tenodesis, only 50% returned to the same or higher level. No decline in performance was noted in players who returned successfully.

Variability in Rehabilitation Protocols after Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Surgical Repair

Introduction

Rehabilitation after a superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) repair is an important aspect of patient outcomes; however, no standardized rehabilitation protocol has been defined. The purpose of this paper is to assess the variability of rehabilitation after a SLAP repair to understand the need for standardization to improve patient outcomes.

Methods

Protocols for SLAP repairs were collected through a search for Academic Orthopedic Programs and a general Google search using the terms “[Program Name (if applicable)] SLAP Repair Rehab Protocol”. Protocols were compared by sling, range of motion (ROM), physical therapy, return to sport (RTS), return to throwing, and biceps engagement and tenodesis recommendations. Protocols for non-operative or generalized shoulders were excluded.

Results

Sixty protocols were included. A total of 61.7% (37/60) recommended a sling for four to six weeks and 90% (54/60) included a full ROM recommendation, but time was variable. There were different exercises recommended, but pendulum swings were recommended by 53% (32/60), submaximal isometrics by 55% (33/60), and scapular strengthening by 65% (39/60). Of the sixty protocols, 33% (20/60) recommended return to sports in 24 weeks and 38.3% (23/60) recommended allowing throwing in 16 weeks.

Conclusions

There was variability in protocols for SLAP repair, especially time until full ROM, RTS, and biceps strengthening. Time in sling and scapular strengthening were the least variable. A lack of specificity within protocols in what return to throwing meant for functional ability made it difficult to compare protocols. Considering the large number of orthopedic programs, a relatively small number had published protocols. Further studies are needed to evaluate a standardized post-operative rehabilitation for SLAP repairs to improve outcomes.

Type V superior labral anterior-posterior tears results in lower rates of return to play

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of return to play (RTP) in patients who underwent Type V superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) repair compared to patients who underwent isolated Bankart repair in the setting of traumatic anterior shoulder instability.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair and SLAP repair by a single surgeon between 2012 and 2017 was performed. Additionally, these were pair-matched in a 1:2 ratio for age, sex, sport and level of pre-operative play, with those undergoing isolated arthroscopic Bankart repair alone as a control group. RTP, level of RTP and the timing of RTP were assessed.

RESULTS

The study included a total of 96 patients, with 32 in the study group and 64 in the control group, and a mean follow-up of 59 months. Overall, there was no significant difference in the overall rate of return to play (26/32 (81.3%) vs 56/64 (87.5%), n.s), but there was a significantly higher rate of RTP at the same/higher level in the control group (14/32 (43.6%) vs 43/64 (67.2%), p = 0.0463). There was no significant difference in timing of RTP between the groups (n.s). There was no significant difference in recurrent instability (6/32 (18.8%) vs 5/64 (7.8%), n.s) but there was a significant difference in revision rates (5/32 (15.6%) vs. 2/64 (3.1%), p = 0.0392) between the Type V SLAP repair group and the control group.

CONCLUSION

Following arthroscopic repair, patients with Type V SLAP tears had a similar overall rate of RTP when compared directly to a control group of patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair alone. However, those who underwent Type V SLAP repair reported significantly lower rates of RTP at the same or higher level compared to the control group.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

THE SUCCESS OF RETURN TO SPORT AFTER SUPERIOR LABRUM ANTERIOR TO POSTERIOR (SLAP) TEARS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Background

Reviews on superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) injuries have been reported in the literature. However, current reviews have not focused on the success of athletes return to their previous level of sport or athletic performance.

Hypothesis/Purpose

Systematically review return to sport (RTS) and return to sport at previous level (RTSP) proportions after SLAP injury while reporting any additional performance metrics and outcome measures.

Study Design

Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis.

Methods

A computer assisted literature search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and SportDiscus databases utilizing keywords related to RTS post-surgery for SLAP tear was implemented. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were utilized for study methodology. Quality assessment utilized the MINORS scale.

Results

Twenty-two studies (617 athletes) qualified for analysis. Based on limited evidence from level 3b to 4 studies, athletes RTS post intervention for SLAP injury occurred at a rate of 93% (95% CI:87 to 98%) and overall RTSP rate was 72% (95% CI:60 to 83%). The mean time to RTS post intervention was reported in 59% of studies at 6.9 ± 2.9 months. Patient reported outcome measures (PROM's) were reported in 86% of studies. There was limited reporting of performance statistics, rehabilitation guidelines, return to sport criteria, and information regarding SLAP diagnosis in the available studies. None of the included studies reported post-surgical athletic performance or career longevity.

Conclusions

Limited evidence suggests that less than three in four athletes return to their previous level of sport participation after SLAP injury intervention. Treatment success for an athlete with SLAP injury remains relatively unknown as only 59% of included studies clearly delineate RTS from RTSP and neither athletic performance nor career longevity were reported in any included studies. Future studies of higher quality are required for this determination.

Level of Evidence

Level 1a.

Complications and Return to Activity After Arthroscopic Repair of Isolated Type II SLAP Lesions: A Systematic Review Comparing Knotted Versus Knotless Suture Anchors

Background:

Superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears are one of the most common injuries to the shoulder, with the type II variant representing the most frequently encountered subtype.

Purpose:

To systematically review the literature to better understand outcomes after arthroscopic repair of isolated type II SLAP lesions using knotted versus knotless anchors based on implant number, implant location, patient position, and portal position.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review investigating all studies in the literature between January 2000 and June 2019 reporting on patients undergoing arthroscopic repair for isolated type II SLAP lesions using knotted versus knotless suture anchors was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using the PubMed, BIOSIS Previews, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, and Embase databases.

Results:

A total of 234 patients undergoing isolated arthroscopic repair of type II SLAP lesions using suture anchors were identified, with 76% (179/234) treated using knotted anchors versus 24% (55/234) treated using knotless anchors. Complications were reported in 12% of patients treated using knotted anchors versus no patients treated using knotless anchors (P = .008). The incidence of complications for knotted anchor repair was not significantly affected by patient position (P = .22) or portal position (P = .19). Using multiple regression analysis, we found no significant association with the incidence of complications when analyzing for anchor design (R² = 0.02; P = .06) or anchor position (R² = 0.02; P = .92). No significant difference in return-to-activity timing was appreciated based on anchor type (P = .28), patient position (P = .98), or portal position (P = .97) in patients treated using knotted anchors.

Conclusion:

Patients treated using knotted anchors were significantly more likely to experience a postoperative complication compared with patients treated using knotless anchors after arthroscopic repair of isolated type II SLAP lesions. Despite the increased incidence of a postoperative complication after knotted anchor fixation compared with knotless anchor fixation, multiple regression analysis showed that anchor design and anchor position were not significantly predictive of the incidence of complications. Given the increasing popularity of knotless anchor fixation, further study on the long-term outcomes after knotless repair for isolated type II SLAP lesions is warranted.

Surgical management of type II superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions: a review of outcomes and prognostic indicators

A Type II SLAP (superior labrum anterior posterior) lesion is a tear of the superior glenoid labrum with involvement of the long head of the biceps tendon insertion. In patients that do not improve with conservative treatment, there is a great deal of variability in the surgical management of these injuries that includes arthroscopic SLAP repair, arthroscopic SLAP repair with biceps tenodesis, biceps tenodesis alone and biceps tenotomy. Each surgical technique has specific effects on a patient's postoperative course and functional recovery. Rehabilitation strategies may be best formulated on an individual basis with an open line of communication between the operating surgeon and the physical therapist. Despite an increased incidence in treatment, there is currently no consensus on the optimal surgical procedure or treatment algorithm for Type II SLAP injuries. However, in middle-aged or older patients (>35) with Type II SLAP tears, either arthroscopic suprapectoral or mini-open subpectoral biceps tenodesis is recommended due to the higher failure rates observed with arthroscopic SLAP repair in this patient group. Although more patients present with a 'Popeye' sign after biceps tenotomy, long-term functional outcome is similar between biceps tenodesis compared to tenotomy. However, more patients will experience biceps fatigue or cramping after the tenotomy procedure. Biceps tenodesis is preferred in younger, more active patients, while tenotomy is preferred in the middle-aged or older and lower demand patients. The aim of this paper is to provide a brief description of the different surgical techniques employed to address Type II SLAP lesions (arthroscopic repair, biceps tenodesis, and biceps tenotomy) and provide a review of available literature regarding outcomes and prognostic factors associated with each technique.

Time to Return to School After 10 Common Orthopaedic Surgeries Among Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Return to school among adolescents is often overlooked in orthopaedic outcome studies. The purpose was to measure the time missed from school after 10 common orthopedic surgeries.

METHODS

Patients, 5 to 19 years old enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school, who underwent treatment for fixation of type III supracondylar humerus fracture, midshaft femur fracture fixation, isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, isolated partial menisectomy, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis fusion, closed reduction of both-bone forearm fracture, arthroscopic Bankart repair, hip arthroscopy with femoroacetabular impingement correction, limb length discrepancy correction, or surgical fixation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 school years were identified for this Institutional Review Board-approved study. All patients were contacted after surgery to determine date of return to school, number of days in session, and number of school days missed.

RESULTS

Two hundred six patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. Mean age at time of surgery was 13.0±3.8 years. There were 105 males (51%). Mean time to return to school overall was 13.0±15.2 days. Very few students (n=9; 4%) did not miss any school days during recovery from the procedure of interest. The average number of days missed from school for males was 6.6 days compared with 8.4 days in females (P=0.20). There was no difference between patients aged 5 to 12 years compared with those aged 13 to 19 years (7.1 vs. 7.7 d, respectively; P=0.69). On average, patients who underwent closed reduction of a both-bone forearm fracture returned to school the quickest following surgery (3.4±1.2 d) and missed the least amount of in-session school days (1.9±0.9 d), and those who underwent adolescent idiopathic scoliosis fusion were out of school the longest (42.3±21.4 d) and missed the greatest number of in-session school days (27.6±14.7 d).

CONCLUSIONS

Information regarding average time missed from school for 10 common orthopaedic surgeries can be used by clinicians to counsel patients and their families regarding expected recovery time.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Do patients with minor shoulder instability have a different outcome from those with recurrent anteroinferior instability?

PURPOSE

Minor or anterosuperior shoulder instability (MSI) is a relatively new concept with other characteristics than recurrent anteroinferior instability (TUBS). MSI includes patients without history of dislocation, with non-specific clinical symptoms and signs but with indications of laxity of (SGHL)/MGHL with isolated injury of (SGHL)/MGHL seen during arthroscopy. TUBS patients typically present with recurrent anteroinferior instability with at least labral injury of the anterior band of the IGHL. In this study, we focus on the postoperative (rehabilitation) course. Our hypothesis is that its duration is prolonged in patients with MSI when compared to those with TUBS.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients with isolated anterosuperior capsuloligamentous lesions identified during arthroscopic surgery (group I-MSI) and 65 with at least an anteroinferior capsuloligamentous lesion (group II-TUBS) completed a survey that included a questionnaire enquiring into relief of pain and return to activity, the Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OSIS) and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index (WOSI). Final follow-up occurred at a mean of 76 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Pain at night, at rest and during overhead activities disappeared later in group I than in group II (respectively, p = 0.03; 0.01; 0.01). Patients with MSI returned later to professional activities (p = 0.02) and to the same sport (p = 0.01). In addition, they had worse outcome as measured by OSIS (p = 0.01) and WOSI (p = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

Patients with MSI have poorer prospects regarding time to relief of pain, return to work and sports and outcome scores compared to patients with TUBS.

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.

Assessment of return to play in professional overhead athletes subjected to arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears and associated labral injuries using the Italian version of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow score

BACKGROUND

The self-administered Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic (KJOC) Shoulder and Elbow questionnaire is a reliable and sensitive outcome tool to assess upper extremity athletic performance and functional changes affecting return to play in overhead athletes. We report the results of a study of return to sport in professional overhead athletes at a mean follow-up of 2 years after arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears and associated labral injuries using the Italian version of the score.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total number of 38 patients completed the 10-item questionnaire before and after surgery. They were also asked (1) whether they had returned to play; (2) how many months after the operation they had done so; (3) the level of postoperative performance (preinjury or less); and (4) whether they had had to change sport due to their shoulder problems.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found (1) between preoperative and postoperative scores; (2) between the scores of patients who returned to play at preinjury level and those who merely returned to competition; and (3) between the postoperative subscores of 8/10 items, which were higher in the patients who returned to preinjury performance than in those who merely returned to play; the two items that were not significantly different between these subgroups concerned pain and joint stability. Even though item analysis highlighted a major role for athletic performance in recovery of preinjury performance, it also stressed that the athlete's relationship with coach, agent, and staff and his/her feeling of the extent to which the arm affects current performance significantly contribute to the final score.

CONCLUSIONS

The KJOC Shoulder and Elbow score provides an accurate and exhaustive assessment of the recovery of the athlete's shoulder in relation to preinjury performance and provides the surgeon with key information on the pros and cons of surgical management.

Can the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow Score Be Reliably Administered Over the Phone?: A Randomized Study

Background:

The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) shoulder and elbow outcome score is a functional assessment tool for the upper extremity of the overhead athlete, which is currently validated for administration in person.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to validate the KJOC score for administration over the phone. The hypothesis was that no difference will exist in KJOC scores for the same patient between administration in person versus over the phone.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Fifty patients were randomized to fill out the KJOC questionnaire either over the phone first (25 patients) or in person first (25 patients) based on an a priori power analysis. One week after the patients completed the initial KJOC on the phone or in person, they then filled out the score via the opposite method. Results were compared per question and for overall score.

Results:

There was a mean ± SD of 8 ± 5 days between when patients completed the first and second questionnaires. There were no significant differences in the overall KJOC score between the phone and paper groups (P = .139). The intraclass correlation coefficient comparing paper and phone scores was 0.802 (95% CI, 0.767-0.883; P < .001), with a Cronbach alpha of 0.89. On comparison of individual questions, there were significant differences for questions 1, 3, and 8 (P = .013, .023, and .042, respectively).

Conclusion:

The KJOC questionnaire can be administered over the phone with no significant difference in overall score as compared with that from in-person administration.

Treatment of SLAP Lesions

Background:

The surgical treatment of a Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior (SLAP) lesion becomes more and more frequent as the surgical techniques, the implants and the postoperative rehabilitation of the patient are improved and provide in most cases an excellent outcome.

Objective:

However, a standard therapy of SLAP lesions in the shoulder surgery has not been established yet. An algorithm on how to treat SLAP lesions according to their type and data on the factors that influence the surgical outcome is essential for the everyday clinical practice.

Method:

In this article, a retrospective evaluation of patients with SLAP lesion, treated surgically in our orthopaedic clinic was conducted.

Results:

According to the clinical outcome and our experience with the surgical therapy of SLAP lesions we demonstrate an algorithm on the proper therapeutic approach.

Conclusion:

SLAP I lesions are treated with debridement. Most controversies concern patients with SLAP II lesions, whose therapy is either fixation of the superior labrum or tenotomy/tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon. For patients with SLAP III or IV lesions the most commonly accepted approach is tenotomy or tenodesis of the long head of biceps tendon.

Editorial Commentary: On Kibler & Sciascia: What Did the Five Fingers Say to the Face? SLAP. A Systematic Review Wake-Up Call to Improve SLAP Repair Guidelines

Both the quality and quantity of reporting in the SLAP repair literature, especially the surgical indications and technical intraoperative characteristics, leaves significant room for improvement. In their systematic review, Kibler and Sciascia identify this considerable underlying imprecision. Based on the current literature, no consensus exists for establishing any criteria for a successful SLAP repair--surgical indications, characteristics (type, location, number of anchors), completeness of repair, or rehabilitation.