Paper #13 Diagnosis and arthroscopic treatment of superior labrum lesion associated with shoulder anterior instability: slap type V

We reviewed 200 athletes who had undergone arthroscopic shoulder examination due to pain during sport practice. We found 17 (8,5%) type V SLAP lesions described by Maffet. This lesion is marked by the desinsertion of the superior to inferior glenoid labrum portions, jeopardizing the function of the tendon of the long head of the biceps muscle and the glenohumeral ligaments, which are structers involved on the joint stability. Sixteen (94%) of the patients presented with anterior shoulder instability. The arthroscopic technique is used on the treatment of these lesions, giving access to the superior labrum, what is not possible with the classic open procedure. Two patients had undergone open surgery previously, and had recurrence of shoulder dislocation. They were submitted to arthroscopic examination and showed healing of the inferior portion of the labrum that was previously repaired, but presented the superior lesion that was not diagnosed on the first surgery. The superior lesion was repaired arthroscopically. The correct diagnosis and treatment of the type V SLAP lesion associated with anterior instability is best accomplished with the use of arthroscopic technique. This lesion is frequently associated with anterior instability and has to be accurately diagnosed and treated to allow the athlete to return to sport practice. We reviewed 200 athletes who had undergone arthroscopic shoulder examination due to pain during sport practice. We found 17 (8,5%) type V SLAP lesions described by Maffet. This lesion is marked by the desinsertion of the superior to inferior glenoid labrum portions, jeopardizing the function of the tendon of the long head of the biceps muscle and the glenohumeral ligaments, which are structers involved on the joint stability. Sixteen (94%) of the patients presented with anterior shoulder instability. The arthroscopic technique is used on the treatment of these lesions, giving access to the superior labrum, what is not possible with the classic open procedure. Two patients had undergone open surgery previously, and had recurrence of shoulder dislocation. They were submitted to arthroscopic examination and showed healing of the inferior portion of the labrum that was previously repaired, but presented the superior lesion that was not diagnosed on the first surgery. The superior lesion was repaired arthroscopically. The correct diagnosis and treatment of the type V SLAP lesion associated with anterior instability is best accomplished with the use of arthroscopic technique. This lesion is frequently associated with anterior instability and has to be accurately diagnosed and treated to allow the athlete to return to sport practice.