SLAP tears and biceps pathology
Superior labral repair and tenodesis or tenotomy of the long head of the biceps.
- What it is
- The long head of the biceps anchors to the top of the labrum. Its tendinopathy, instability in the bicipital groove and SLAP tears (detachment of the superior labrum) cause deep pain at the front of the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm and in throwing sports.
- When it is indicated
- Surgery is indicated when pain persists despite physiotherapy and injections, or when the lesion is associated with instability or a rotator cuff tear.
- How it is performed
- Arthroscopically, the superior labrum is repaired in young patients with an acute injury, or a tenodesis (fixing the tendon in a new position) or a tenotomy is performed, depending on age, activity and the condition of the tendon.
- Recovery
- A sling for a few weeks and progressive physiotherapy. Loading of the biceps is avoided during the first weeks to protect the repair.
- Procedures the doctor performs
- SLAP tear repair
- Tenodesis of the long head of the biceps
- Biceps tenotomy in selected cases
- Treatment of tendinopathy, instability and lesions of the bicipital groove
Other procedures
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder instability and recurrent dislocation
- Acromioclavicular joint injuries
- Shoulder stiffness and adhesive capsulitis
- Shoulder cartilage and arthritis
- Complex rotator cuff reconstructions
- Shoulder arthroscopy
This content is general information. It does not replace a medical assessment: every case is evaluated in consultation with physical examination and imaging.