Our Summary

This study reviewed research papers to compare two treatment methods for a type of shoulder injury called superior labrum anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) tears: biceps tenodesis and labral repair. The review concluded that patients treated with biceps tenodesis showed better results in terms of satisfaction (95.6% vs. 76.2%) and return to sports activities (81.3% vs. 64.3%) than those treated with labral repair. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend towards higher rates of reoperation in patients who received labral repair (14.2% vs 6.5%). Both treatments showed similar results in terms of complications and functional outcomes. Therefore, the study suggests that biceps tenodesis could be a better treatment option for SLAP tears.

FAQs

  1. What are the two treatment methods for superior labrum anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) tears discussed in this study?
  2. How do patient outcomes compare between biceps tenodesis and labral repair treatments?
  3. Does the study recommend biceps tenodesis or labral repair as the better treatment option for SLAP tears?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about labral repair is to discuss the potential benefits and risks of biceps tenodesis as a treatment option for SLAP tears. It is important to consider factors such as satisfaction, return to sports activities, and the likelihood of needing reoperation when making a decision about the best course of treatment for this type of shoulder injury. Be sure to have a thorough discussion with your doctor to understand all of your options and make an informed decision about your care.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended labral repair are those with SLAP tears who may benefit from preserving the labrum and stabilizing the shoulder joint. This includes athletes who need to maintain shoulder stability for sports activities and individuals who have significant pain and dysfunction due to a SLAP tear. However, based on the findings of this study, patients with SLAP tears may achieve better outcomes with biceps tenodesis compared to labral repair.

Timeline

Before labral repair:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of shoulder pain, instability, and decreased range of motion.
  2. Patient undergoes physical examination, imaging tests (such as MRI), and possibly arthroscopic evaluation to diagnose the SLAP tear.
  3. Orthopedic surgeon recommends labral repair as a treatment option.
  4. Patient discusses the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes of the surgery with the surgeon.
  5. Patient undergoes preoperative evaluations and preparation for surgery.

After labral repair:

  1. Patient undergoes arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn labrum.
  2. Patient undergoes postoperative rehabilitation, including physical therapy to regain strength, range of motion, and function in the shoulder.
  3. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the shoulder in the immediate postoperative period.
  4. Patient gradually resumes daily activities and sports activities under the guidance of the physical therapist and surgeon.
  5. Patient follows up with the surgeon for postoperative evaluations and monitoring of the healing process.
  6. Patient experiences improvement in symptoms, shoulder function, and overall satisfaction with the outcome of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with labral repair surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after labral repair surgery?
  3. What are the success rates of labral repair surgery for SLAP tears?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options for SLAP tears besides labral repair?
  5. How will labral repair surgery affect my ability to return to sports and physical activities?
  6. What is the likelihood of needing a reoperation after undergoing labral repair surgery?
  7. What type of physical therapy or rehabilitation will be needed after labral repair surgery?
  8. How experienced are you in performing labral repair surgery for SLAP tears?
  9. Are there any specific factors that may impact the success of labral repair surgery for my individual case?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications that I should be aware of after undergoing labral repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: Hurley ET, Fat DL, Duigenan CM, Miller JC, Mullett H, Moran CJ. Journal: J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2018 Oct;27(10):1913-1919. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2018.04.011. Epub 2018 May 24. PMID: 29803502