SLAP Repair
SLAP Repair Surgeon in Fairfax, Arlington, VA
Repeated use of the shoulder while throwing or a fall onto the shoulder can result in a SLAP (superior labrum anterior and posterior) tear or injury. Dr. Najarian provides diagnosis and individualized nonoperative and operative treatments for the shoulder including SLAP repair in Fairfax, Arlington, VA. Dr. Najarian also provides the highest level of care during and after surgery. Contact Dr. Najarian’s office for an appointment today!
SLAP Repair in Fairfax and Arlington, VA
A SLAP tear is an injury to the labrum, the ring of cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket, that can cause shoulder pain, clicking, weakness, and difficulty with overhead movements. When nonsurgical treatments do not provide adequate relief, SLAP repair may be recommended to restore the labrum's attachment and improve shoulder stability. Dr. Robert Najarian, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in orthopedic sports medicine, provides evaluation and treatment for shoulder injuries in Fairfax and Arlington, Virginia. Treatment recommendations are based on the type of labral injury, symptoms, activity level, and individual recovery goals.
What is a SLAP Repair?
A SLAP repair is an arthroscopic shoulder procedure to treat a specific type of injury to the labrum called a SLAP tear.
What is Shoulder Anatomy?
Your shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint made up of the upper arm bone, the shoulder blade, and the collarbone. The head of the upper arm bone fits into the socket of the shoulder joint known as the glenoid cavity. The outer edge of the glenoid is surrounded by a strong fibrous tissue called the labrum.
What is a SLAP Tear?
A superior labrum anterior and posterior tear or SLAP tear is an injury to the labrum. This injury may also involve the biceps tendon, which is attached to the top part of the labrum. The injury occurs from repeated use of the shoulder while throwing or a fall onto the shoulder.
Robert Najarian, M.D.
Dr. Najarian is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. With additional fellowship training in sports medicine and more than 18 years of experience, he specializes in treating the knee, shoulder, and elbow, as well as all sports-related injuries. His area of focus is in the treatment of knee cartilage and ligamentous injury, shoulder instability and rotator cuff repair, and elbow injuries in the throwing athlete (Tommy John Surgery). He has been named a Washingtonian Top Doctor since 2016.
What are the Indications for a SLAP repair?
A SLAP repair is indicated to treat the torn labrum of the shoulder socket when conservative treatment measures such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications) and physical therapy do not relieve the symptoms of a SLAP tear.
How is a SLAP Repair performed?
A SLAP repair is a minimally invasive surgery that uses an arthroscope, a tube with a light and camera on the end that projects images onto a monitor for your surgeon to view inside your joint. The type of SLAP repair depends on the type of tear involved and will be determined once your surgeon views the joint. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and a nerve block.
- Your surgeon first makes small incisions to insert the arthroscope and thin surgical instruments into the shoulder joint.
- Your surgeon will then identify the type of SLAP tear and remove the damaged tissue of the labrum.
- A small hole is then drilled into the bone of the shoulder socket close to the labral tear.
- Your surgeon will place an anchor into the drilled hole with a strong suture.
- Additional anchors can be placed as required for securing the torn labrum to the bone of the shoulder socket.
- Finally, the torn labrum is tied to the bone with the sutures.
What are the Steps Recommended for Postoperative Care following SLAP Repair?
After the procedure, your arm will be placed in a sling for the first 3 weeks to immobilize the shoulder joint and you will be advised to restrict active motion of your shoulder for about 6 weeks. You will be instructed to take your pain medications and apply ice packs to control swelling and pain. The plaster strips over the wounds should be kept dry until the wounds heal. Through physical therapy, you can slowly regain motion and strengthen the shoulder. You can resume sports activities after consulting with your physical therapist and surgeon. You should avoid driving for a few weeks after the surgery.
What are the Advantages of SLAP Repair?
A SLAP repair involves the reattaching of the labrum to its normal anatomical position; thereby, restoring the anatomy of the shoulder. The procedure also allows the normal functioning of the previously damaged labrum and biceps attachment.
What are the Associated Risks and Complications of SLAP Repair?
As with any surgical procedure, SLAP repair may involve certain potential risks and complications including:
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots
- Shoulder stiffness
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels
Why Choose Dr. Najarian for SLAP Repair in Fairfax and Arlington, VA?
- Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon: Dr. Najarian is board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Sports Medicine, with expertise in evaluating and treating musculoskeletal injuries.
- Specialized Sports Medicine Training: His fellowship training at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health supports his approach to managing sports-related injuries and shoulder conditions.
- Individualized Treatment Planning: Recommendations consider the extent of the SLAP tear, associated biceps tendon involvement, activity demands, and response to conservative treatment.
- Focus on Shoulder Function: Treatment aims to address the underlying injury and help patients work toward improved shoulder stability, mobility, and strength.
- Convenient Northern Virginia Locations: Patients can access orthopedic and sports medicine care at Inova Sports Medicine locations in Fairfax and Arlington.
SLAP Repair FAQs
A SLAP tear is an injury to the superior labrum, the upper portion of the cartilage ring surrounding the shoulder socket, where the long head of the biceps tendon attaches. It can result from repetitive overhead movements, throwing activities, a fall onto the shoulder, or other shoulder injuries.
SLAP repair may be considered when shoulder pain, weakness, or functional limitations persist despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment, such as physical therapy and activity modification. The decision depends on the type of tear, the patient's age, activity level, associated injuries, and overall shoulder function.
SLAP repair is commonly performed arthroscopically under anesthesia. The surgeon inserts a small camera and specialized instruments through small incisions to examine the shoulder joint. When appropriate, sutures and small anchors are used to reattach the torn labrum to the shoulder socket. The specific technique depends on the injury and the patient's needs.
Recovery varies depending on the severity of the tear, the surgical technique, and individual healing. Patients typically wear a sling during the initial healing period and gradually progress through rehabilitation. Returning to throwing sports or other demanding overhead activities may take several months and requires clearance from the treating surgeon and rehabilitation team.
Yes. Physical therapy is generally an important part of recovery. Rehabilitation typically progresses from protecting the repaired labrum and restoring controlled range of motion to strengthening the shoulder and gradually returning to functional or athletic activities. Following the prescribed rehabilitation plan helps support recovery.
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, shoulder stiffness, persistent pain, nerve or blood vessel injury, and failure of the repair to heal as expected. Your orthopedic surgeon can explain the potential complications and precautions relevant to your individual condition.
Schedule a SLAP Repair Consultation in Fairfax or Arlington, VA
Persistent shoulder pain, clicking, or weakness can interfere with sports, work, and everyday activities. If you have a suspected labral injury or symptoms that have not improved with conservative treatment, Dr. Robert Najarian provides orthopedic and sports medicine care at Inova Sports Medicine in Fairfax and Arlington, Virginia. Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms, explore appropriate treatment options, and determine whether SLAP repair may be suitable for your shoulder condition.
If you would like additional information on the treatment of shoulder conditions or to learn more about SLAP repair, please contact Dr. Najarian, serving the communities of Fairfax, Arlington, VA.
