Arthroscopic management of superior labral anterior and posterior (SLAP) and associated lesions: clinical features and functional outcome.

INTRODUCTION The superior labral anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesion is a cause of chronic shoulder pain and significant disability. This study aims to review the distribution of types of SLAP lesions, associated lesions and the outcome of arthroscopic management. MATERIALS AND METHODS This series involved all 33 patients who underwent arthroscopic management of SLAP and associated lesions by a single surgeon. The pre- and postoperative disability scores were assessed using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) outcome measure. RESULTS Type 2 SLAP lesion (64%) was the most common. Forty-eight per cent of the cases were associated with an ipsilateral shoulder lesion. A 10- point pre- and postoperative DASH score reduction was noted in 63% of the patients with isolated SLAP lesions and 73% of those with associated lesions. CONCLUSION Arthroscopic management of the SLAP and its associated lesions results in improved functional outcome. The presence of associated lesions should be actively sought and managed in the same operative session.