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. 2025 Jun 2;145(1):328.
doi: 10.1007/s00402-025-05940-7.

Inferior labrum tears can accompany SLAP lesions and inferior labrum repair with SLAP lesion treatment results in satisfactory clinical outcomes at a minimum 2-year follow-up

Ethem Burak Oklaz  1 , Asim Ahmadov  2 , Furkan Aral  2 , Mustafa Can Erdem  2 , Inci Hazal Ayas  2 , Ulunay Kanatli  2
Affiliations

Inferior labrum tears can accompany SLAP lesions and inferior labrum repair with SLAP lesion treatment results in satisfactory clinical outcomes at a minimum 2-year follow-up

Ethem Burak Oklaz et al. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. .

Abstract

Introduction: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of concomitant inferior labrum tears in patients with superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions, and evaluate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic inferior labrum repair performed concurrently with SLAP lesion management.

Materials and methods: This retrospective case series was conducted on patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy for SLAP lesions between 2017 and 2022. The study group included patients who had SLAP lesion treatment (tenotomy, tenodesis, or repair) and inferior labrum tear repair, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Demographic data and clinical characteristics of the patients were assessed. Outcomes were evaluated using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Furthermore, the proportion of patients who met the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID), Substantial Clinical Benefit (SCB), and Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) thresholds for the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were determined.

Results: A concomitant inferior labrum tear was identified in 11% (n = 32) of 278 patients who underwent surgery for SLAP lesions. Among these, 26 patients (mean age, 43.6 ± 9.8 years; 50% male/female; 77% dominant extremity involvement; mean follow up, 46.8 ± 20.5 months) who met inclusion criteria were included in the study. 17 (65%) patients had a history of sudden arm traction during heavy lifting. Significant improvements in PROMs were observed at the final follow-up (p <.001 for all scores). The rates of patients achieving MCID, PASS, and SCB were determined, respectively, OSS (96%, 81%, 84%), SSV (100%, 77%, 84%), and VAS (88%, 81%, 81%).

Conclusions: Inferior labrum tears are a pathological condition that may accompany SLAP lesions, and patients with both lesions usually have a history of traction-related injuries. In these cases, successful clinical outcomes could be achieved through patient-specific management of the SLAP lesion and repair of the inferior labrum.

Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study, retrospective case series.

Keywords: Clinical outcomes; Inferior labrum tears; Injury; SLAP lesions; Traction.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethical approval: The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (Decision E-77082166-604.01-934292, research code: 2024-656). Informed consent: Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flowchart of the patient selection process
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Illustration of inferior labrum tear and SLAP lesion
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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