Abstract
Using a biodegradable implant (Suretac), the author performed arthroscopic shoulder surgery for superior labral detachments, anterior to posterior (SLAP) on 40 patients from January 1994 to January 1999. This study evaluated the short and long-term outcome.
The mean age of the patients, 29 of whom participated in competitive overhead sporting activities, was 32 years. There were 34 patients with SLAP 2 lesions, three with SLAP 3 lesions and three with SLAP 4 lesions. The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 60 months. All patients were evaluated at four months and then again at 24 to 60 months, using the modified UCLA scoring system.
Results were good to excellent four months postoperatively in 85%. Reviewed at two years and longer, 95% of patients had good to excellent results, with 83% of sportsmen resuming their previous overhead sporting activities.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M. B. E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical School, University of Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 South Africa
