The humerus head, or the top of the humerus bone in the arm, fits into the glenoid—but it is not a tight fit because the humerus head is usually larger than the glenoid socket.
See Guide to Shoulder Anatomy. The labrum lies between the humerus and the glenoid - allowing the humerus head to fit more securely into the glenoid socket. At the same time, the labrum provides cushioning and a full range of motion in the shoulder.
A SLAP tear is also referred to as a labral tear, or a tear or lesion to the labrum. This injury tends to develop over time due to repetitive movements. It can also result from acute trauma or age. Labral tears can also occur in the hip, since the labrum surrounds the hip socket, but this is not referred to as a SLAP tear.
SLAP injuries are classified into 10 different types. Each injury is categorized based on how the tear forms. Originally, SLAP tears were classified into types 1 through 4. The other types, known as extended SLAP tears, were added over time. The descriptions of these types vary slightly. In a type 1 tear, the labrum is frayed but the biceps tendon is attached. This type of tear is degenerative and usually seen in older people.
A type 2 tear also involves a frayed labrum, but the biceps is detached. Type 2 tears are the most common SLAP injuries. A type 3 tear is a bucket handle tear.
Type 4 is like type 3, but the tear extends into the biceps. This type of tear is associated with shoulder instability. In a type 5 injury, the SLAP tear extends to the front lower part of the labrum. The glenohumeral ligaments are fibrous tissues that keep the shoulder joint together. These ligaments include the superior, middle, and inferior glenohumeral ligaments. SLAP treatment depends on the severity and location of your injury.
It usually begins with nonsurgical techniques. Most SLAP injuries are first treated with nonsurgical methods. A physical therapist can show you how to do specific exercises for SLAP tears.
These exercises will focus on improving the flexibility, movement, and strength of your shoulder. The most common method is an arthroscopy. During this procedure, a surgeon makes small cuts in your shoulder. They insert a small camera, or an arthroscope, into the joint. The surgeon then uses miniature surgical tools to repair the SLAP tear. With proper rehabilitation, you can expect to regain full range of motion after a SLAP tear surgery.
The labrum is a cup-shaped rim of firm, fibrous tissue that cushions the socket of the shoulder joint, stabilizes the shoulder joint and reinforces the ball and socket joint. SLAP tears are commonly caused by repetitive use of the shoulder or acute trauma. SLAP tears are often the result of the labrum wearing down over time. Athletes are also highly susceptible, particularly if their sport involves excessive overhead movement or force.
For instance, baseball players, volleyball players, tennis players and swimmers are at a higher risk of this developing this type of shoulder injury. The following scenarios may also cause a SLAP tear:.
Most individuals experience a deep pain within the shoulder joint, accompanied by catching or popping sensation. After the injury, many report shoulder weakness and pain with movement or lifting. Initial treatment methods for SLAP tears are typically nonsurgical. Depending on your injury, a shoulder specialist may recommend anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling, followed by physical therapy exercises designed to strengthen the shoulder and restore range of motion and function.
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