SLAP Tear Classification

• degenerative superior labrum with fraying along the free margin.
• Treatment = debridement

 Type I SLAP tear

• degenerative superior labrum with fraying along the free margin.
• Treatment = debridement

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 Biceps Labral Complex Anatomy.

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 Biceps Labral Complex Anatomy.

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 Biceps Tenodesis is indicated. If loose fragment is small consider debridement.
• See also Biceps Labral Complex 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 Biceps Tenodesis is indicated. Can consider debridement or repair.
• See also Biceps Labral Complex Anatomy.