Dallas SLAP Tear Surgeon

The labrum is a ring of fibrous cartilage surrounding the glenoid (shoulder socket) that promotes shoulder stability by deepening the socket joint and anchors tendons, such as the biceps. Beyond its stabilizing function, the labrum also serves as an attachment site for several important tendons and ligaments– this includes the biceps tendon, a long cord-like structure, which connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder.

The term SLAP stands for Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior tear, which often occurs due to repetitive overhead motions or trauma, such as outstretched arm forceful pullings, specifically affecting the superior labrum, where the biceps tendon attaches. When a SLAP tear occurs, the labrum can become detached from the bone— which thereby disrupts the stability of the shoulder joint, causing shoulder instability and potentially affects biceps function. This injury can result in a range of symptoms, including shoulder pain, clicking, popping, limited range of motion, and a sense of instability.

The Procedures & Treatment Options

While shoulder surgery is sometimes necessary to repair a labral tear, many individuals can find relief through conservative treatment for shoulder injuries and shoulder conditions. These non-surgical approaches aim to reduce pain, control pain, as well as improve shoulder function and shoulder movement. Common conservative options include rest, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. Physical therapy typically involves motion exercises and exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles, working to improve shoulder stability and support the ball and socket joint.

Shoulder labral tear surgery repairs damage to the glenoid labrum in the shoulder joint, particularly at the superior attachment of the biceps tendon. This surgical procedure is performed through arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive surgical procedure using small incisions, to address torn labrum that can compromise shoulder and upper arm bone integrity.

FAQS

While it is possible for partial ACL tears to be managed without requiring surgery, complete ACL All labral tears involve a tear in the labrum while a SLAP tear is unique because it affects the biceps tendon attachment itself. It can lead to specific symptoms related to biceps function and shoulder muscles; this would be in addition to general shoulder instability and other shoulder problems caused by damage to the soft tissues and shoulder anatomy surrounding the glenoid cavity.

While all labral tears involve a tear in the shoulder’s cartilage called the labrum, they can vary in location and severity. SLAP tears are distinct due to their location at the biceps tendon attachment in the shoulder labrum. We find that other tears may occur in the front (anterior), back (posterior), or bottom (inferior) of the labrum, affecting different parts of the shoulder bones and shoulder blade called the scapula.

In the initial weeks after arthroscopic surgery for a SLAP tear, it is highly recommended that your activity be limited to allow the damaged portion of the labrum to heal properly. In addition, as per instructions from your Dallas SLAP tear surgeon, you’ll likely need to wear a sling to support the shoulder and avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling with the affected arm to prevent strain on the arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and labrum repair.

** Please note that gentle movements, including controlled external rotation exercises, as directed by your Dallas SLAP tear specialist or physical therapist during your physical examination and rehabilitation, will be encouraged to prevent stiffness and promote recovery following shoulder arthroscopy and surgical treatment.

What to Eat or Drink Following Your Shoulder Procedure

Stick to light foods and clear fluids for the first 48 hours following discharge. Prescription pain medications can contribute to nausea, so avoid heavy, greasy meals.
If you experience persistent nausea or vomiting, contact our office as soon as possible.
Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water during recovery.

Caring for Incisions

Your incisions have been covered by a surgical dressing. You may remove this dressing on post-operative day 3.
You may experience swelling and itching at the incision site. Do not scratch. You may find relief from itching by lightly rubbing the area.
You can reduce the risk of infection by keeping your incisions dry. You may resume showering 24 hours after shoulder surgery for labral and SLAP tears, but do not allow your incisions to get wet. Cover the area with waterproof plastic while showering.
You can get your wound wet in the shower on the 3rd post-operative day. No immersion in a bath until given approval by our office.
If blood or fluids saturate the dressing, do not remove it. Instead, wrap the area in sterile gauze until your follow-up appointment.
Refrain from applying any topical agents, such as creams, lotions or ointments, to the incisions unless expressly permitted by your doctor.
Your stitches or sutures will come out at a follow-up visit 1-2 weeks following discharge.

Pain and Medication Guidelines

*The following are general aftercare guidelines for the use of medications. Your doctor will provide specific instructions as they pertain to your health, prescriptions and procedure.

Local anesthesia has been administered during your surgery to numb the shoulder area. This will begin to wear off 6-10 hours following discharge. Pain typically spikes between 2-3 days post-surgery.
Take any prescribed pain medications according to the label instructions and any specific guidance provided by your doctor.
Be mindful of medication side effects, which can include drowsiness and dizziness. Do not engage in activities that require you to be alert.
If nausea or vomiting become severe, contact the office as soon as possible.
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medications.
Some medications and interactions can raise the risk of developing blood clots. If clotting is a concern, discuss this with your doctor.

Your Mobility Following Shoulder Labral and SLAP Tear Surgery

Rest with your shoulder supported in the sling that was placed during your procedure. Keep your arm elevated slightly with a pillow under the forearm when seated or reclining.
Keep your arm sling securely in place continuously for 4-6 weeks. Avoid all active arm elevation, rotation or lifting until cleared by your doctor.
Refrain from activities that may increase shoulder strain. Avoid reaching overhead, pulling or forceful twisting for the first two weeks following discharge.
Do not drive until cleared to do so by your doctor.
You may resume work activities 1-2 weeks following your procedure; however, you are encouraged to seek reasonable accommodations from your workplace to avoid duties that require lifting, pulling or reaching.

Proper Usage of Your Sling

Wear the prescribed sling at all times. Maintain the elbow against the body or pillow to reduce tension on the biceps tendon anchor.
You should not remove your sling unless instructed by your doctor. If you require adjustments, contact our office for guidance.

Use a Cold Pack for Swelling

You can begin cold therapy following your surgery to reduce swelling and pain. Wrap ice or a cold pack in a plastic bag, towel or old shirt. Apply the cold to your surgical site for 20-30 minutes at a time every 2-3 hours.
Do not apply ice or other forms of cold therapy directly to your skin.

Movement and Stretching Guidelines

36 hours after discharge, you are encouraged to begin finger and wrist flexion and extension exercises. Avoid active shoulder or elbow flexion unless specified to protect the labral repair.
Temporary stiffness is normal in early recovery but should lessen over time and with gentle movement.
Perform prescribed exercises 2-3 times per day to reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
Our office can help you coordinate physical therapy if your doctor has ordered sessions.

CALL US IF…

Reach out right away if you notice:

214 265 3271

Severe, persistent pain that does not improve with medication or radiates through your upper arm.
Fever, chills, infection, redness, off-color discharge.
Severe swelling, tingling, numbness or skin discoloration, particularly in the hand, fingers or forearm.
Respiratory distress or chest discomfort.
Bleeding or persistent fluid leakage at the incision site.

Labral SLAP Tears can be limiting. Find relief and regain your Shoulder’s stability with expert care from your Dallas SLAP tear surgeon

Contact Dr. Steven Thornton’s office to learn about effective treatment strategies for shoulder labrum repair, SLAP repair, AC joint trauma, tendon damage, pinched or frozen shoulder, and other injuries to the shoulder, and start your journey towards a healthier shoulder.

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