Lesões SLAP
What is a SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) lesion?
The labrum is a fibrous structure that surrounds the articular surface and helps stabilize the shoulder joint.
It serves as an insertion site for other structures such as the joint capsule, ligaments and the tendon of the biceps brachii (the muscle at the front of the arm).
A SLAP tear or lesion occurs when the superior labrum is detached or ruptures at the insertion site of the bicipital tendon.
How do SLAP lesions occur?
There are several injuries that can damage the upper portion of the labrum at the bicipital insertion. The most common causes are repetitive overhead arm movements, such as throwing a ball, falling on the upper limb or lifting a heavy object. Therefore, athletes or professionals who require repetitive overhead movements are at greater risk of developing these injuries.
What are the symptoms of SLAP lesions?
Shoulder pain may come on suddenly or more slowly, with or without an associated traumatic mechanism or excessive overload. The pain is most typically located in the deep posterior region of the shoulder, and there may also be a clicking or snapping sensation or decreased performance.
What are the treatments for SLAP lesions?
In cases of overload or non-traumatic injuries, conservative treatment is the first line of treatment. In injuries caused by falls or trauma, or associated with other tendon, bone or ligament injuries, surgical treatment may be the best option for a better and faster recovery.
For more information on conservative or surgical treatment of SLAP lesions, see here .
