SLAP Tear Surgery

As the name implies, SLAP tear surgery repairs a SLAP tear — torn cartilage in the labrum, the inner part of your shoulder joint where the biceps tendon attaches to the upper part of the socket (glenoid). This type of injury often causes deep pain, a popping sensation, joint weakness, or limited range of motion, especially with overhead movements.

When rest, physical therapy, and other nonsurgical shoulder treatments don’t improve symptoms, a SLAP tear operation may be recommended to restore strength and function. The world-class, board-certified orthopedic shoulder specialists at Hoag Orthopedic Institute provide SLAP tear repair using arthroscopic techniques to reattach the torn labrum or remove the damaged tissue.

With torn labrum surgery, our surgeons aim to restore shoulder function and support a full return to work, sports, and the daily activities you love.

What Is a SLAP Tear?

A SLAP tear — short for Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior tear — is a specific injury to the top part of the labrum, the cartilage ring surrounding the shoulder joint (glenoid). This cartilage is a flexible connective tissue that protects and helps to stabilize the shoulder joint. It also provides the anchor point for the biceps tendon. A SLAP tear often leads to pain, clicking, catching, or a feeling that the shoulder might “give out,” especially during overhead motion or lifting.

A SLAP tear is a painful shoulder condition generally caused by acute trauma, such as falling on an outstretched arm, or by repetitive overhead activity, like pitching or swimming. These injuries are commonly seen in athletes, active individuals, and older adults experiencing degenerative changes in the shoulder.

There are several types of SLAP tears, ranging from fraying at the labral edge to full detachment of the anchor point for the labrum and biceps tendon. The severity and type of tear will influence the best course of treatment — whether conservative care or surgery for a labrum tear in the shoulder.

When Is SLAP Tear Surgery Recommended?

Persistent shoulder pain, joint instability, or reduced range of motion are all signs of a condition requiring medical attention. If a SLAP tear is diagnosed, your care team will typically begin with conservative treatments such as rest, activity modification, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.

SLAP tear repair surgery is typically recommended when these nonsurgical treatments fail to relieve pain or restore shoulder function caused by a SLAP tear. If symptoms such as weakness, instability, or limited range of motion persist despite conservative care, your orthopedic specialist may recommend a SLAP tear operation to restore function.

Torn labrum surgery may also be the best option for patients with high physical demands, such as athletes, manual laborers, or those whose work requires frequent overhead movements. Delaying treatment often leads to increasing joint damage or other shoulder problems as the shoulder strives to compensate for the injury.

Whether you and your surgeon choose to proceed with SLAP tear surgery depends on several factors, including:

• The type, location, and severity of the tear
• The patient's age, activity level, and goals
• Whether the biceps tendon is also involved
• Response to nonsurgical treatment

If surgery is recommended, your shoulder specialist will walk you through what to expect and tailor the procedure to your specific needs and recovery goals.

SLAP Tear Surgery: What to Expect

SLAP tear repair surgery is typically performed arthroscopically in a minimally invasive procedure that uses a tiny camera and small surgical instruments inserted through small incisions. An arthroscopic approach allows the orthopedic surgeon to view the joint in detail and repair the torn labrum with precision.

Depending on the nature and location of the SLAP tear, the surgeon may:

• Reattach the labrum to the shoulder socket using sutures and anchors
• Remove frayed or damaged tissue if the tear cannot be fully repaired
• Address any related issues, such as any biceps tendon involvement

The SLAP tear operation typically takes one to two hours and is performed under regional or general anesthesia. Most patients return home the same day.

Your orthopedic surgeon will provide post-operative instructions, including how to protect the shoulder and when to begin gentle movement. SLAP tear surgery recovery typically requires a sling to be worn for several weeks to keep the shoulder stable during early healing.

Most patients begin light activities within a few weeks and gradually return to full strength over several months. Athletes and those with physically demanding jobs may require a longer rehabilitation period, typically four to six months, before resuming high-impact activities.

Your care team will also coordinate a physical therapy plan following SLAP tear surgery to gradually restore your range of motion and rebuild shoulder strength.

Why Choose Hoag Orthopedic Institute for SLAP Tear Surgery

When you choose Hoag Orthopedic Institute for SLAP tear repair surgery, you're choosing one of the highest-rated orthopedic hospitals in the country — and a team deeply specialized in shoulder care. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons bring advanced training, extensive surgical experience, and a patient-centered approach to every SLAP tear surgery.

We use the latest arthroscopic techniques and diagnostic imaging, ensuring each patient receives a personalized treatment plan, tailored to the nature and severity of their SLAP tear, lifestyle goals, and overall shoulder health. Our integrated care team includes orthopedic-certified nurses, surgical specialists, and physical therapists who work together to support you from diagnosis, through your SLAP tear surgery recovery, to returning to your favorite activities.

From your first consultation through post-operative physical therapy, Hoag Orthopedic Institute provides coordinated, compassionate care designed to help you regain full shoulder function and return to the activities you love — whether that’s sports, work, or everyday motion without pain.