What is a SLAP Repair?
A SLAP repair is a surgical procedure used to fix a specific kind of shoulder injury known as a SLAP tear. SLAP stands for Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior, referring to a tear in the top part of the labrum – the ring of cartilage that surrounds your shoulder socket.
The labrum helps keep your shoulder stable and secure, especially during overhead movements. When it’s torn, it can cause pain, clicking, catching, or a feeling that the shoulder might “give out.” A SLAP repair involves reattaching the torn labrum to the bone using sutures and small anchors, restoring shoulder stability and function.
When SLAP Tear Surgery is Recommended
Not all SLAP tears require surgery. Many patients improve with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, your orthopedic specialist may recommend a SLAP repair if:
- You are experiencing ongoing shoulder pain despite non-surgical treatment
- Your shoulder feels unstable, weak, or prone to “popping” during activity
- You’re an athlete (especially in throwing or overhead sports)
- Imaging confirms a labral tear that hasn’t healed with rest
- You’ve had a traumatic shoulder injury, such as a fall or dislocation
The minimally-invasive procedure is typically performed arthroscopically, using small incisions and a camera for a faster recovery.
Recovery Time
Recovering from a SLAP repair takes time and patience, but most patients return to an active lifestyle with better shoulder stability and reduced pain
General recovery timeline
- Weeks 0-4: You’ll wear a sling to protect your shoulder. Gentle, passive motion may begin within the first month.
- Weeks 4-8: Guided physical therapy begins to restore range of motion.
- Weeks 8-12: Strengthening exercises are added to rebuild shoulder stability.
- After 3-4 months: Many patients return to normal daily activities.
- Full recovery: Return to high-demand sports or heavy lifting may take 4-6 months, depending on your goals and individual healing progress.
Your care team will tailor your rehab to fit your activity level and lifestyle.
FAQs
Some minor SLAP tears can improve with conservative care like rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, larger or more complex tears often don’t heal on their own and may need surgery to restore function and relieve pain, especially in active individuals.
Left untreated, a SLAP tear may cause ongoing pain, reduced range of motion, and shoulder weakness. Over time, it can also lead to additional shoulder problems, like rotator cuff strain or instability, particularly in athletes or people with physically demanding jobs.
A SLAP repair is intended to provide long-term relief. Once the labrum is reattached and the shoulder heals properly, most patients experience lasting improvement. However, the durability of the repair depends on factors like post-surgical care, activity level, and avoiding reinjury during recovery.
SLAP repairs are generally successful, particularly in younger, active patients. Most people report significant pain relief and restored shoulder function. Athletes often return to their sport, though overhead athletes may need more time and rehab to fully regain performance.
While not life-threatening, a SLAP tear can be a serious and painful condition that interferes with your quality of life. It can impact your ability to lift, throw, or even perform daily activities. That’s why timely diagnosis and treatment are important.
No. Though they’re both shoulder injuries, they affect different structures. A SLAP tear involves the labrum (cartilage), while a rotator cuff tear involves one or more of the shoulders stabilizing muscles or tendons. However, they can sometimes occur together or present similar symptoms.
