ORTHOPEDICS/SHOULDER & ELBOW/THERAPY & SURGERY
A SLAP restoration is a surgical technique performed for a SLAP tear therapy,
A SLAP restoration is considered for patients who do not find any improvement following nonsurgical therapies.
In patients with a SLAP tea, a surgical intervention may be a good alternative.
SLAP Tear Therapy Alternatives
A SLAP tear is a particular labral tear kind within the shoulder joint.
SLAP tears arise at the attachment of the biceps tendon to the labrum on the shoulder socket top.
Several alternatives may be considered for a SLAP tear surgery.
SLAP Debridement Surgery
A SLAP debridement consist of simply removal of the excess or the damaged tissue that causes catching and pain symptoms in the shoulder.
In some people, the harm is negligible, and removing the torn tissue may be satisfactory to address the pain cause.
SLAP Restoration Surgery
A SLAP restoration is performed to surgically restore the tear within the labrum.
Frequently, a SLAP restoration is using junctions to reattach the spoiled labrum to the shoulder socket bone.
Biceps Tenodesis or Tenotomy Surgery
A biceps tenodesis or tenotomy surgery may be considered when the SLAP tear cannot be restored, or if the biceps tendon is excessively spoiled.
The Process
A SLAP restoration is an arthroscopic shoulder surgery using junctions to reattach the torn labrum back to the shoulder socket bone.
During the shoulder arthroscopy, other damages may be noticed and can be treated as well, including bursal inflammation, rotator cuff tears, and cartilage injury; Therefore, a SLAP restoration may be just a part of the surgery to eliminate shoulder pain.
The steps of a SLAP restoration surgery are the following:
- The SLAP tear is acknowledged and excess spoiled tissue is removed.
2. A tiny hole is drilled into the bone where the labrum has torn away from the socket.
3. An anchor is fixed into this hole; and a strong junction is attached to the anchor.
4. The junction is used to connect the torn labrum snuggly to the bone.
5. Additional anchors are fixed as needed to secure to the torn labrum.
SLAP Repair Surgery/ Biceps Tenodesis Surgery
Advantages of SLAP restoration surgery:
A SLAP restoration surgery reinstates the normal anatomy of the shoulder by reattaching the labrum in its normal position.
Once healed, the SLAP restoration allows normal function of the previously injured labrum and the biceps attachment.
Advantages of biceps tenodesis:
The restoration is frequently not as preventive as is the case with a SLAP restoration.
The results of surgery are generally more expectable, as healing of a SLAP restoration may not be as consistent.
Rehab After Surgery
Recovery after a SLAP restoration varies depending on some features such as the strength of the restoration and the surgeon preference.
Most frequently, a restricted motion period of time is maintained for about six weeks following a SLAP restoration.
During the recovery first phase, few passive movements are allowed to prevent shoulder painfulness.
In this first phase, the torn labrum is healing to the bone in its appropriate position.
Once healed, patients enter the recovery second phase and can start more mobility for about six weeks.
Physical therapy remains to help enhancing motion and regaining the shoulder strength.
The recovery third phase involves more active strengthening of the muscles that surround the shoulder joint.
The recovery final phase is focused towards of regaining complete athletic activities, and complete recovery is expected within four to six months.