Our Summary

The research paper examines the effectiveness of different surgical treatments for SLAP (superior labral anterior-posterior) tears, a type of shoulder injury. The three treatments studied are tenodesis (a surgery that anchors the bicep muscle to the bone), SLAP repair (fixing the tear), and a combination of both these procedures.

The study included 86 patients. 18 had both tenodesis and labral repair, 45 had only SLAP repair, and 23 had only tenodesis. The researchers looked at various factors such as the patient’s range of motion, ability to return to work and sports, as well as their reported pain levels.

Findings showed that there was no significant difference in the patients’ ability to return to their previous level of activity or work between the different treatments. However, patients who had both tenodesis and labral repair reported worse outcomes (measured in terms of their reported pain levels and their scores on a shoulder function test) than those who had only one of these procedures.

These results suggest that undergoing both these surgeries may not provide better results for patients with this type of shoulder injury. However, the study is not definitive and more research is needed.

FAQs

  1. What are the three surgical treatments studied for SLAP tears in the research paper?
  2. Did the study find any significant difference in the ability of patients to return to their previous level of activity or work after different treatments?
  3. Did patients who underwent both tenodesis and labral repair report better or worse outcomes compared to those who had only one of these procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

In general, a doctor might tell a patient undergoing labral repair surgery to follow their post-operative instructions closely, including completing any prescribed physical therapy. They may also advise the patient to avoid activities that could put strain on the repaired labrum, and to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to their healthcare provider. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and proper nutrition, can help support the healing process.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended labral repair are those who have a SLAP tear, which is a common injury in athletes, particularly in those who participate in overhead sports such as baseball, volleyball, and tennis. SLAP tears can also occur due to repetitive overhead motions, trauma, or degenerative changes in the shoulder.

Patients who experience symptoms such as shoulder pain, decreased range of motion, weakness, popping or clicking sensations in the shoulder, or instability may be recommended for labral repair surgery. The decision to undergo labral repair is usually made after conservative treatments such as physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications have proven ineffective in relieving symptoms.

It is important for patients to consult with a healthcare provider, such as an orthopedic surgeon, to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their specific condition and individual needs.

Timeline

Before labral repair:

  • Patient experiences shoulder pain, instability, and limited range of motion
  • Patient may undergo physical therapy or conservative treatments to manage symptoms
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as MRI to diagnose the SLAP tear

After labral repair:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to repair the torn labrum
  • Patient undergoes post-operative rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort in the initial recovery period
  • Patient gradually improves in function and range of motion over time
  • Patient may be able to return to work and sports activities after a period of rehabilitation and recovery

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about labral repair include:

  1. What are the different surgical options available for treating a SLAP tear, and what are the potential risks and benefits of each?
  2. How will the specific type of surgery I undergo (tenodesis, SLAP repair, or a combination of both) affect my recovery time and ability to return to my usual activities?
  3. What are the expected outcomes in terms of pain relief, range of motion, and overall shoulder function for each type of surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before opting for surgery?
  5. What are the potential complications or risks associated with labral repair surgery, and how likely are they to occur?
  6. How long will the recovery process take, and what can I do to help speed up my recovery and improve my outcomes?
  7. Are there any specific rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy recommendations to follow after surgery?
  8. How will my doctor monitor my progress and determine if the surgery was successful in addressing my shoulder injury?
  9. What is the long-term outlook for patients who undergo labral repair surgery, and what lifestyle changes or precautions should I consider to prevent future shoulder injuries?
  10. Are there any additional questions or concerns I should discuss with my doctor before making a decision about undergoing labral repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: Chalmers PN, Monson B, Frank RM, Mascarenhas R, Nicholson GP, Bach BR Jr, Verma NN, Cole BJ, Romeo AA. Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2016 Dec;24(12):3870-3876. doi: 10.1007/s00167-015-3774-6. Epub 2015 Sep 2. PMID: 26328801