OUTCOME FOLLOWING SURGICAL REPAIR OF SLAP TYPE II LESIONS: A TWO YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Abstract

Introduction: Type II SLAP lesion account for 22–55% of all SLAP lesions and described as detachment of the superior labrum along with the biceps anchor from the superior glenoid rim. This detachment leads to a significant Gleno Humeral Joint instability at the anterior-posterior and superior inferior directions. Majority of SLAP lesions are associated with rotator cuff tears, and partial or complete Bankart lesions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscopic repair of type II SLAP lesions 2 years following arthroscopic repair with suture anchors.

Type of study: Prospective historical.

Methods: Data of consecutive thirty-eight patients (34 males, 4 females, mean age: 45 years, range, 22 to 70 years were used for analysis. Outcome measures were the ASES and Constant Murley. Thirteen patients had work-related injuries. Specific tests for SLAP lesion (i.e. New pain provocation test, O’Brien test, Yergason’s Test) were conducted pre-operatively.

Results: Twenty-three patients had surgery on the right side. The minimum follow up period was 24 months. Five patients had isolated SLAP II lesion repair. Thirty-three had associated pathologies. Ten patients had rotator cuff repair. Twelve patients required acromioplasty and 12 patients underwent the long head of biceps tenodesis. Three patients had associated Bankart lesions. ALL patients showed significant improvement in ASES scores (p< 0.0001). However, Patients with work-related injuries did not show a significant improvement in Constant scores (p=0.20). Pathology did not affect level of disability or subjective scores post-operatively. Strength did not change following SLAP repairs.

Conclusions: Arthroscopic SLAP repair provides significant improvement in subjective scores of joint-specific measures (ASES). Patients with work-related injuries demonstrate a different pattern of recovery.