SLAP Tear
SLAP tear of the biceps tendon in the area of its transition to the articular lip is quite common. However, this pathology is very difficult to diagnose and it is detected quite frequently during the operational treatment. Normal wear and tear, which patients over 40 years old experience, can be mistakenly regarded as SLAP tear.
With persistent pain, limitation of movement, as well as clicks in the shoulder, SLAP tear can be diagnosed. And as a matter of fact, the patients previously involved in swimming and similar sports are prone to such malfunction. Such a disorder may require surgery.
Symptoms and Causes of a SLAP Tear
Treatment, as a rule, begins with conservative measures and not a surgery. The main goal is to reduce pain and inflammation in the joint. Therapeutic treatment is also a priority when preventing joint stiffness. The doctor may prescribe cortisone injections into the joint. It is a very powerful anti-inflammatory medicament that, when injected into a joint, reduces aching significantly. It should be noted, however, that the relief is temporary with such treatment. If, within three-four months, pain persists, then a surgery to be considered. Such include arthroscopy and tenodesis.
During arthroscopy, the site of SLAP tear is visualized. The channels are drilled in the bone and special anchor fixators are put into them. Therefore, during the surgery, the labrum is fixed with high-strength threads. It happens that several anchor clamps may be required for such treatment.
Tenodesis is a surgery which involves cutting off the biceps tendon from the scapula and fix it in the area of the proximal humerus. The SLAP tear operation leads to a sharp reduction of pain. The advantage of this surgery is the also the small degree of damage to unaltered tissues surrounding the area. This leads to faster healing and recovery.
Treatment Options
Treatment, as a rule, begins with conservative measures and not a surgery. The main goal is to reduce pain and inflammation in the joint. Therapeutic treatment is also a priority when preventing joint stiffness. The doctor may prescribe cortisone injections into the joint. It is a very powerful anti-inflammatory medicament that, when injected into a joint, reduces aching significantly. It should be noted, however, that the relief is temporary with such treatment. If, within three-four months, pain persists, then a surgery to be considered. Such include arthroscopy and tenodesis.
During arthroscopy, the site of SLAP tear is visualized. The channels are drilled in the bone and special anchor fixators are put into them. Therefore, during the surgery, the labrum is fixed with high-strength threads. It happens that several anchor clamps may be required for such treatment.
Tenodesis is a surgery which involves cutting off the biceps tendon from the scapula and fix it in the area of the proximal humerus. The SLAP tear operation leads to a sharp reduction of pain. The advantage of this surgery is the also the small degree of damage to unaltered tissues surrounding the area. This leads to faster healing and recovery.
Physical Therapy Following a Labral Tear in the Shoulder without Surgery
Physiotherapy exercises are aimed at improving the movement range, preventing the development of contractures, increasing strength and endurance in the muscles of the shoulder girdle. The treatment is selected individually under the supervision of experienced instructors and rehabilitation specialists. A part of exercises must be done on professional equipment in the rehabilitation room.
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