Dr. Banarji B.H., the most sought-after orthopedic surgeon and shoulder specialist in India talks about SLAP tears. Sports-related injuries are very common among sports persons. Shoulder injuries are the most common in people involved in overhead sports like swimming, tennis, weight lifting, etc. “Some mild injuries might not be a cause for concern. However, there are some injuries that can become increasingly painful if left untreated. One such injury is a SLAP tear,” says Dr. Banarji.

SLAP is an acronym for Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior. This is a fibrous tissue present around the shoulder socket that is necessary for the stability of the shoulder joint. It is also important for various movements involving the shoulder joint as it acts as the attachment point for multiple shoulder ligaments and one of the tendons in the biceps. Therefore, SLAP tears, either to the anterior (front) or posterior (back) of the labrum, can have very painful symptoms. 

General symptoms of slap tears include:

a popping or locking sensation of the shoulder jointm

pain in the shoulder while lifting the arms above the head

pain in the shoulder when extending the arms to the back. Eg, while wearing a shirt or trying to zip a dress

shoulder pain that increases after sleeping on the affected arm

difficulty or pain in the shoulder joint that greatly reduces the range of motion

“The most common mistake people tend to do is ignore the symptoms hoping the pain will subside or self-medicate with painkillers and analgesic ointments. However, this can only aggravate the symptoms,” says Dr. Banarji. Proper diagnosis by an expert in the field and appropriate treatment can work wonders in cases of SLAP tears. 

Depending on the severity and type of injury, SLAP tears are classified into 4 types. For milder forms, non-surgical treatments are advised. These include: 

Rest to reduce inflammation

Physiotherapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling

“Surgery is a last resort which is recommended only when the patient wants to return to active sports, or when the patient fails to respond to non-surgical treatments,” says Dr. Banarji. At Dr. Banarji Shoulder center SLAP tears are treated using arthroscopy, a minimally invasive technique, that ensures smaller wounds and quick healing. Arthroscopy is both a diagnostic tool as well as a treatment method. During the surgery, the doctor will determine the type of SLAP tear and devise the appropriate surgery. 

Most patients get to live a pain-free, active lifestyle after undergoing treatment for SLAP tears. “Though SLAP tear is more commonly a sports-related injury, it can also occur as a result of accidents or wear and tear in the case of older patients,” says Dr. Banarji. Hence, it is of utmost importance to consult a doctor if you feel any of the symptoms associated with SLAP tears.

CONTACT US   

Dr. Banarji Shoulder Center

3/4, 8th Main (Water Tank Road), CHBS Layout, Vijayanagar, Bangalore - 560 040.
Emergency: 9731274396

Appointment Mob:7760659606

Email:drbanarji@orthobangalore.com