LABRUM TEAR AND SLAP LESION

Question 1

Fibrocartilaginous ring attached to outer surface of glenoid

Answer 1

Labrum

Question 2

What does the labrum do for the shoulder

Answer 2

(1) Give depth to the shoulder joint
(2) Increases area of contact between humeral head and glenoid
(3) Also serves as point of contact for several ligaments and tendons

Question 3

Labrum tears and SLAP lesions can result from what

Answer 3

(1) Falling back onto an outstretched arm
(2) Tries to prevent falling by grabbing hold of an object
(3) Suddenly tries to lift a heavy object
(4) Forceful throwing, excessive overhead activity
(5) Chronic overuse vs acute injury

Question 4

Symptoms of a patient with a Labrum Tear and SLAP Lesion

Answer 4

(1) Anterior shoulder pain (in overuse injury)
(2) Clicking/clunking of the shoulder in certain positions
(3) Swelling, parasthesias, severe night pain uncommon

Question 5

Physical exam of a patient with a Labrum Tear and SLAP Lesion

Answer 5

High prevalence of other shoulder injuries as well

(1) Ie: important to thoroughly assess shoulder
(2) Look for muscular imbalances
(3) Atrophy uncommon
e. Palpate the shoulder
(1) Posterior shoulder tenderness common
(a) Other areas may be tender as well
(2) Special attention to biceps tendon
f. Inspect ROM and scapular motion
(1) May be normal
g. No single special test on exam has ever been shown to reliably diagnose a SLAP lesion
(1) In combination the tests are more sensitive and specific
h. Recommend Obriens and Speeds