ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To analyze the general characteristics of isolated SLAP (superior labrum anterior to posterior) lesions of shoulder and to evaluate efficacy of arthroscopic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 43 athletic patients with 46 isolated SLAP lesions. The mean follow-up period was 21 months, and mean patient age was 25 years. Twenty seven patients presented with injury to the dominant shoulder, and 3 had bilateral involvement. RESULTS: Pain and clicking were the most common symptoms. The mechanism of injury was assumed to be chafing in 27 cases, compression in 9 cases. Type 2 lesion was commonest (30 cases). The single most sensitive test was the compression-rotation test, which was positive in 92% of patients. The average UCLA score at the last follow-up was 31.6 points; 18 cases ranked as excellent and 21 as good.Postoperative performance data was obtained for in 27 athletes, 19 were able to return to their sports. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic surgery for an isolated SLAP lesion resulted in 85% of patients being rated good or above, and 70% of athletic patients were able to resume sporting activity.