A superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesion is an injury to the labrum of the shoulder joint, the cuff of cartilage that forms a cup for the arm bone to move within, increasing shoulder stability. Patients with a SLAP lesion may experience pain with movement, limited range of motion, frequent dislocation and a catching sensation in the shoulder.
Severe SLAP lesions may require surgical repair, which often includes:
Surgery for SLAP lesions is performed on an outpatient basis and takes about 90 minutes. These procedures can usually be performed arthroscopically through several small incisions, into which a camera and tiny surgical instruments are inserted.