SLAP Tear Classification

Type II SLAP Tear

• Superior labrum detached from the glenoid medially, leaving the superior glenoid neck uncovered for at least 5mm from the corner of the glenoid.
• There is a gap between the articular cartilage and the labral attachment to bone. 
• Can be further subdivided into (A)anterior, (B)posterior, and (C)combined anterior-posterior lesions. 
• Most common type of SLAP lesion.
• Treatment = 3 months of physical therapy focusing on strengthening the dynamic stabilizers. 
• If non-op treatment fails to eliminate symptoms arthroscopic SLAP Repair is indicated: consider biceps tenodesis in low demand patients >40 years old.
• See also Normal BLC Anatomy.

Arthrotek Shoulder

Depuy/Mitek Shoulder

Linvatec Shoulder

Smith&Nephew Shoulder

Type II Anterior-Posterior SLAP tear

1. Biceps labral complex: Type 2 anterior/posterior tear
2. Long head of Biceps Tendon
3. Glenoid face
4. Humeral Head

See also Normal BLC Anatomy.

Arthrex Biosuturetac (T,V)

Arthrotek LactoScrew (T)

Depuy Lupine (T)

Linvatec Bio Mini-Revo (T)

S&N Bioraptor (T)

Type III SLAP Tear

• Bucket-handle tear of the superior labrum.
• Uncommon.
• Treatment = 3 months of physical therapy focusing on strengthening the dynamic stabilizers. 
• If non-op treatment fails to eliminate symptoms arthroscopic biceps tenotomy with or without tenodesis is indicated. If loose fragment is small consider debridement.
• See also Normal BLC Anatomy.

Type IV SLAP Tear

• Bucket-handle superior labral tear that extends into the biceps tendon.
• Very uncommon.
• Treatment = 3 months of physical therapy focusing on strengthening the dynamic stabilizers. 
• If non-op treatment fails to eliminate symptoms arthroscopic biceps tenotomy with of without tenodesis is indicated. Can consider debridement or repair.
• See also Normal BLC Anatomy.