Biomechanical analysis of isolated type II SLAP lesions and repair

The effects of type II superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions on glenohumeral rotation and translation were studied in 6 cadaveric shoulders before and after repair. Glenohumeral translation with the application of 15 N and 20 N in the anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior directions was measured with the joint in 60 degrees of abduction and 90 degrees of external rotation. Data were recorded for intact shoulders, shoulders with arthroscopy portals, shoulders with arthroscopically created anterior type II SLAP lesions, shoulders with arthroscopically created anterior and posterior type II SLAP lesions, and shoulders that had undergone arthroscopic repair. With the creation of a SLAP lesion, significant increases in total range of motion (P = .028), external rotation (P < .0001), internal rotation (P < .01), anterior-posterior translation (P < .0001), and inferior translation (P < .01) were observed. After arthroscopic repair, total range of motion, internal rotation, external rotation, and translation significantly decreased, returning to expected values. These findings suggest that type II SLAP lesions cause significant glenohumeral instability, which can be effectively treated with current arthroscopic techniques.     

SLAP lesions of the shoulder

A specific pattern of injury to the superior labrum of the shoulder was identified arthroscopically in twenty-seven patients included in a retrospective review of more than 700 shoulder arthroscopies performed at our institution. The injury of the superior labrum begins posteriorly and extends anteriorly, stopping before or at the mid-glenoid notch and including the "anchor" of the biceps tendon to the labrum. We have labeled this injury a "SLAP lesion" (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior). There were 23 males and four females with an average age of 37.5 years. Time from injury to surgery averaged 29.3 months. The most common mechanism of injury was a compression force to the shoulder, usually as the result of a fall onto an outstretched arm, with the shoulder positioned in abduction and slight forward flexion at the time of the impact. The most common clinical complaints were pain, greater with overhead activity, and a painful "catching" or "popping" in the shoulder. No imaging test accurately defined the superior labral pathology preoperatively. We divided the superior labrum pathology into four distinct types. Treatment was performed arthroscopically based on the type of SLAP lesion noted at the time of surgery. The SLAP lesion, which has not been previously described, can be diagnosed only arthroscopically and may be treated successfully by arthroscopic techniques alone in many patients.     

SLAP lesions of the shoulder

SLAP lesions are becoming a more recognized cause of shoulder pain and disability. The diagnosis of these lesions is difficult due to vague symptoms and high degree of overlap with other shoulder disorders, and this requires a high index of suspicion. Advances in MR arthrography may lead to advances in preoperative diagnosis of labral tears, but definitive diagnosis, classification, and management is greatly facilitated with the use of the shoulder arthroscopy. Further basic science and clinical research should enhance our ability to manage patients with these lesions effectively.     

Arthroscopic repair of type II SLAP lesions: Clinical and anatomic follow-up

Aims:The aim was to evaluate the clinical and anatomic outcome of arthroscopic repair of type II SLAP lesions.Results:At a mean follow-up of 54-month, the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Index (ASES) scores improved from 52.1 preoperatively to 86.1 postoperatively (P < 0.0001) and the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores from 7.7 to 10.6 (P < 0.0002). Twenty-two out of the 25 patients (88%) stated that they would have surgery again. Of the 21 patients who had postoperative magnetic resonance imaging arthrographys (MRAs), 9 patients (43%) demonstrated dye tracking between the labrum bone interface suggestive of a recurrent tear and 12 patients (57%) had a completely intact repair. There was no significant difference in ASES, SST, and patient satisfaction scores in patients with recurrent or intact repairs.Conclusions:Arthroscopic repair of type II SLAP lesions demonstrated improvements in clinical outcomes. However, MRA imaging demonstrated 43% of patients with recurrent tears. MRA results do not necessarily correlate with clinical outcome.     

Modified single-portal type II SLAP repair

We present a simplified, cost-effective method for repairing a type II SLAP lesion that requires only one working portal in the rotator interval. The rotator cuff tendon or muscle is not violated when using this portal. The biceps root can be firmly reattached anteriorly and posteriorly using one double-loaded absorbable bone anchor with a suture eyelet. By retrieving the anterior limbs of the anchor percutaneously using a spinal needle and PDS suture, tangling of the anchor suture or premature knot formation are avoided during shuttling and knot tying.     

Follow-up treatment with physiotherapy after arthroscopic reconstruction in SLAP lesions

An appropriate physiotherapeutic treatment program complements an optimal operative result. In the instance of SLAP lesions, a differentiated therapy is only possible on consultation with the surgeon. A detailed treatment design allows optimal guidance of the patient to his or her personal goal. Important treatment elements include the optimization of the ability of the humerus head to centralize and the proprioception of the shoulder joint, as well as reinstatement of strength and endurance, especially of the rotator cuff.     

钻孔与锚钉缝线修复肩关节Bankart损伤后的生物力学对比研究

目的对钻孔与锚钉缝线修复肩关节Bankart损伤后进行生物力学对比研究,为临床应用提供理论依据。方法取新鲜成人上肢标本12只制成肩关节一骨韧带标本,男9只,女3只;年龄22～35岁,平均28岁;右侧10只,左侧2只。将其随机分为钻孔组和锚钉组,每组6只,每组又分为0°和90°两个亚组,各3只标本。给予肩关节50 N由后向前的负荷,分别测量各个标本完整时、Bankart损伤后和修复后的位移值。结果（1）完整时和Bankart损伤后的肩关节前方位移分别为（9.45±2.69）mm和（13.18±3.94）mm,有统计学差异（P=0.000）;（2）钻孔组修复后肩关节的前方位移为（11.06±2.98）mm,与相应Bankart损伤后相比有统计学差异（P=0.038）;（3）锚钉组修复后肩关节的前方位移为（8.47±2.88）mm,与相应Bankart损伤后相比有统计学差异（P=0.005）;（4）将钻孔组修复后肩关节前方位移与相应损伤后位移的差值和锚钉组的相应差值采用析因设计的方差分析,认为处理方法与肩关节外展角度无交互作用（F=0.161,P=0.699）,钻孔组和锚钉组修复后的位移改变与损伤时相比无统计学差异（F=0.095,P=0.766）;（5）将钻孔组修复后的肩关节前方位移与完整时位移的差值的绝对值和锚钉组相应差值的绝对值采用析因设计的方差分析,认为处理方法与肩关节外展角度无交互作用（F=0.858,P=0.381）,钻孔组和锚钉组修复后的位移改变与完整时相比无统计学差异（F=0.00008,P=0.993）。结论（1）Bankart损伤后肩关节前方稳定性明显下降;（2）将Bankart损伤进行钻孔与锚钉缝线修复均能显著提高肩关节前方稳定性;（3）钻孔与锚钉缝线修复Bankart损伤对肩关节前方稳定性的影响无统计学差异。     

Biceps load test II: A clinical test for SLAP lesions of the shoulder

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to describe the biceps load test II for evaluating the superior labral anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions. Type of Study: This is a double-blind study in consecutive data, which includes diagnostic accuracy of a test using sensitivity, specificity, and interexaminer reliability. Methods: In the supine position, the arm is elevated to 120° and externally rotated to its maximal point, with the elbow in the 90° flexion and the forearm in the supinated position. The patient is asked to flex the elbow while resisting the elbow flexion by the examiner. The test is considered positive if the patient complains of pain during the resisted elbow flexion. The test is negative if pain is not elicited or if the pre-existing pain during the elevation and external rotation of the arm is unchanged or diminished by the resisted elbow flexion. A prospective study was performed in 127 patients to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy for the biceps load test II. Two independent examiners were assigned to perform the new diagnostic test. The results of the tests were confirmed during the arthroscopic examination. Results: A positive test result in 38 subjects correlated with a SLAP lesion in 35 patients and an intact biceps-superior labrum in 3 patients. A negative test result in 89 patients correlated with an intact superior labrum complex in 85 patients, whereas 4 patients with a negative test result had a type II SLAP lesion. The biceps load test II had a sensitivity of 89.7%, a specificity of 96.9%, a positive-predictive value of 92.1%, a negative-predictive value of 95.5%, and a kappa coefficient of 0.815. The abduction and external rotation of the shoulder during the test changes the relative direction of the biceps fiber in a position of oblique angle to the posterosuperior labrum. The resisted contraction of the biceps increases the pain generated on the superior labrum that is already peeled off the glenoid margin in the abducted and externally rotated position. Conclusions: The biceps load test II is an effective diagnostic test for SLAP lesions.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 2 (February), 2001: pp 160–164     

关节镜技术在肩关节损伤修复重建中的进展

<正>由于老龄化进程和全民健身运动的开展,肩关节损伤日趋增多^[1]。随着健康知识的普及和文明素质的提高,人们对肩关节疾病的关注程度也越来越高。肩关节疾病与损伤,严重影响国民健康和生活质量。回顾我国对肩关节疾病的诊疗历史,凡是肩关节疼痛一般都按照肩周炎进行理疗、封闭治疗。     

The peel-back mechanism: its role in producing and extending posterior type II SLAP lesions and its effect on SLAP repair rehabilitation

A previously undescribed mechanism of injury for posterior Type II SLAP lesions is described. The primary feature of this mechanism is a torsional peel-back of the posterosuperior labrum. Secure fixation by posterior-superior placement of suture anchors into the posterosuperior corner of the glenoid is essential. The repair must be protected against torsional peel-back forces by avoiding external rotation beyond 0 degrees for 3 weeks.Arthroscopy 1998 Sep;14(6):637-40     

Risk factors for recurrence of shoulder instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair

BACKGROUND: The higher failure rates reported with arthroscopic stabilization of traumatic, recurrent anterior shoulder instability compared with open stabilization remain a concern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic Bankart repairs with the use of suture anchors and to identify risk factors related to postoperative recurrence of shoulder instability. METHODS: Ninety-one consecutive patients underwent arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent anterior traumatic shoulder instability. The mean age (and standard deviation) at the time of surgery was 26.4 +/- 5.4 years. Seventy-one patients were male. Seventy-nine patients were involved in sports (forty, in high-risk sports). Capsulolabral reattachment and capsule retensioning was performed with use of absorbable suture anchors (mean, 4.3 anchors; range, two to seven anchors). All patients were prospectively followed, and, at the time of the last review, the patients were examined and assessed functionally by independent observers. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of thirty-six months, fourteen patients (15.3%) experienced recurrent instability: six sustained a frank dislocation and eight reported a subluxation. The mean delay to recurrence was 17.6 months. The risk of postoperative recurrence was significantly related to the presence of a bone defect, either on the glenoid side (a glenoid compression-fracture; p = 0.01) or on the humeral side (a large Hill-Sachs lesion; p = 0.05). By contrast, a glenoid separation-fracture was not associated with postoperative recurrent dislocation or subluxation. Recurrence of instability was significantly higher in patients with inferior shoulder hyperlaxity (p = 0.03) and/or anterior shoulder hyperlaxity (p = 0.01). On multivariate analysis, the presence of glenoid bone loss and inferior hyperlaxity led to a 75% recurrence rate (p < 0.001). Lastly, the number of suture-anchors was critical: patients who had three anchors or fewer were at higher risk for recurrent instability (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder instability, patients with bone loss or with shoulder hyperlaxity are at risk for recurrent instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair. At least four anchor points should be used to obtain secure shoulder stabilization.     

Arthroscopic stabilization of type II SLAP lesions using an absorbable tack

Purpose: To document the outcomes of arthroscopic stabilization of Snyder type II SLAP (superior labrum, anterior and posterior) lesions, using a bioabsorbable tack. Type of Study: A case series. Methods: Twenty-five SLAP lesions were repaired arthroscopically using a bioabsorbable tack. There were 22 recreational, 2 high school, and 1 professional athlete in this group. Shoulder function was surveyed at a mean follow-up of 35 months (range, 24 to 51 months) using the UCLA and ASES shoulder scoring algorithms. Results: Shoulder function improved in 24 of the 25 cases. Follow-up UCLA scores averaged 32 points with 9 patients scoring as excellent, 13 good, 2 fair, and 1 poor, for an overall success rate of 88%. ASES shoulder scores similarly improved from a preoperative average of 45 points to a postoperative average of 92. All but 2 of the athletes had returned to their preinjury level of sports participation. Conclusions: Detachment of the superior labrum from the glenoid is recognized as a problematic injury in throwing athletes and others who engage in repetitive overhead activities. We conclude from our experience that using an absorbable tack to repair type II SLAP lesions is an effective treatment, even in athletes with high demands and expectations for shoulder function.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 1 (January), 2001: pp 19–24     

A biomechanical comparison of repair techniques in posterior type II superior labral anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions

The purpose of this study was to compare the 3 different fixation methods of posterior type superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) II lesion. Fifteen cadavers were randomly divided into 3 groups to compare the initial strength of 3 different fixation methods in posterior type II SLAP lesions. Group I used 1 anchor for 1-point fixation with a conventional simple suture; group II used 1 anchor passing both limbs through the posterior-superior labrum in a mattress fashion; and group III used 2 anchors for 2-point fixation with conventional simple sutures. Repair failure (2 mm permanent displacement of repaired site) and ultimate failure were measured. The mean load to (clinical) failure was 156 +/- 22 N in group I, 117 +/- 33 N in group II, and 161 +/- 44 N in group III. The mean load to ultimate failure was 198 +/- 6 N in group I, 189 +/- 23 N in group II, and 179 +/- 22 N in group III. The specimen stiffness was equivalent among groups. In mode of failure, clinical failure (more than 2 mm separations) first occurred between the markers on the biceps tendon just above (A) and below (B) compared to other markers, and ultimate failure occurred at the labral-implant interface. A single simple suture anchor repair in posterior type II SLAP seems sufficient to withstand the initial load without clinical failure. A mattress suture, although it anchors the biceps root, seems to be inferior than simple suture technique.     

Diagnostic value of MR Arthrogram in SLAP lesions of the shoulder

BackgroundSuperior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions are important cause of shoulder pain and instability. MR Arthrogram is key investigation for assessment of these lesions. We aimed this study to evaluate the diagnostic performance of MR Arthrogram in SLAP tears.Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective study of 124 clinically diagnosed SLAP cases who had MR Arthrogram performed. Clinical, radiological and operative records were reviewed. MR Arthrogram findings were compared with arthroscopy. Those patients who did not undergo arthroscopy were not included in the final sensitivity analysis.ResultsOut of 124 cases, 54(43.54%) had normal MR Arthrogram, 32 (25.8%) had impingement or cuff related problems, 2 (1.61%) had Bankart lesions, and in 36 (29%) cases SLAP lesions were identified. Out of 54 patients with normal MR Arthrogram, 44 were discharged to physiotherapy and 10 underwent arthroscopy, showing SLAP lesion in one patient. Out of 32 patients with impingement or cuff problems, 19 were discharged to rehabilitation and 13 underwent surgery. Out of 36 patients with SLAP lesions, 5 recovered spontaneously, 5 were awaiting outpatient review and 26 underwent arthroscopy showing SLAP lesions in 22 cases. Overall, only 51 patients underwent arthroscopy. The MR Arthrogram was falsely positive in 4 cases (15.38%) and falsely negative in one case (3.84%). The sensitivity of MR Arthrogram was 95.6% (22/23), specificity 85.7% (24/28), positive predictive value 84.6% (22/26) and the negative predictive value was 96% (24/25).ConclusionMR Arthrogram is a useful technique for the diagnosis and preoperative planning of suspected SLAP lesions. It may also save patients from unnecessary diagnostic arthroscopy.     

Arthroscopy for shoulder instability and a technique for arthroscopic repair

At this time the principal role of the arthroscope in the management of dislocating shoulder seems to be the identification of the intra-articular pathology. The findings should enable a surgeon to carry out an appropriate open repair, and the results of such surgery are excellent. Is there a place for arthroscopic repair? Some patients sometimes request it; others have had a failed open repair, or wish to avoid a scar. The author has devised a removable "Rivet," which fixes a loose labrum and the inferior glenohumeral ligament back on to a roughened glenoid margin. Use of this technique avoids some of the hazards that occur with implanting a staple or similar device in the joint. The "Rivet" is removed after 4-6 weeks. Ten patients have been so treated, with a follow-up of 6 months to 2 years. There was one failure, with a return of dislocation.     

Arthroscopic fixation of isolated type II SLAP lesions using a two-portal technique

The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of twenty isolated type II SLAP lesions which were repaired arthroscopically using a two-portal technique. Shoulder function was evaluated at a mean follow-up of 2 years using the modified Constant-Murley score. The average preoperative score was 65.2%; it improved postoperatively to 86.4% (p < 0.0001). Pain improved from 6 points to 13 points (p <0.01) and strength increased from 10 kg to 17 kg (p < 0.01). Seventeen of the 20 patients participated in athletic activity before the arthroscopic SLAP repair; they were subdivided into two groups with regard to their age (< 40 years, and > 40 years). There were statistically significant differences between the groups, with 70% returning to the same level of competitiveness in the younger group versus 29% in the older age group. (p <0.0001). Arthroscopic repair of an isolated type II SLAP lesion using a two-portal technique, without using a trans rotator cuff portal, appeared as a reliable and effective procedure with respect to shoulder function and anatomy.