Shoulder · Instability & dislocation
SLAP repair
SLAP Tear (Superior Labral Tear) — Arthroscopic Labral Repair
The condition
The labrum is a rim of cartilage around the shoulder socket; the biceps tendon anchors to its upper part. A SLAP tear is a tear of this upper labrum, from a fall, a sudden pull on the arm, or repeated overhead activity such as throwing. It causes deep shoulder pain, clicking or catching, and loss of power overhead.
The surgery
SLAP repair is a minimally invasive, typically outpatient surgery done through small incisions with a camera and small instruments. The torn labrum is reattached to the top of the socket with small anchors and sutures. Depending on what is found, your surgeon may also (or instead) treat the biceps tendon or clean up frayed tissue. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Sling
- Typically 6 weeks (sometimes shorter), removed for hygiene and exercises. Gentle therapist-guided motion begins on day 1.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 1–2 weeks. No lifting or carrying while in the sling, and no forceful elbow bending or forearm twisting for 10 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Lifting & overhead
- Shoulder strengthening starts at 6 weeks, with full motion expected by 10–12 weeks. Weight training progresses after 12 weeks.
- Sports
- Throwing program from ~4 months. Non-throwing and contact athletes return at 6 months; throwers often need 9–12 months.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients have less pain and return to work and sports. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, the labrum not healing, lasting pain with throwing or overhead activity, difficulty returning to the same level of overhead sport, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
Open, save or print. Bring your questions to your pre-op visit.
Before & after every surgery