Labral Repair (SLAP Tear)
Arthroscopic treatment of SLAP and other labral tears with Dr. Steven Ward in Tucson and Oro Valley — from repairing the labrum to treating the biceps tendon when that is the better option for you.
Call 520-881-1394Typical ranges for general education. Dr. Ward’s plan for you may differ.
What it treats
The labrum is a rim of cartilage around the shoulder socket that deepens it and anchors ligaments and the long head of the biceps tendon. A SLAP tear (superior labrum, anterior to posterior) is a tear at the top of the labrum, right where the biceps attaches.
- Causes include a fall on an outstretched arm, a sudden pull on the arm, a dislocation, or repetitive overhead throwing or lifting
- Fraying of the labrum also happens gradually with age, and is common in adults past their 30s and 40s
- Symptoms include deep shoulder pain with overhead activity, catching or popping, weakness, and a “dead arm” feeling in throwers
Tears at the front and bottom of the socket (Bankart tears) usually come from a dislocation and are treated as part of shoulder instability surgery.
Is surgery right for you?
Most SLAP tears are treated without surgery first:
- Anti-inflammatory medication when it is safe for you
- Physical therapy for flexibility and rotator cuff and shoulder blade strength, often for 3–6 months
- A steroid injection, which can also help confirm where the pain is coming from
Surgery is considered when pain continues despite that care. Diagnosis uses the exam plus an MRI, sometimes with contrast dye (MR arthrogram). Age and activity matter: for many adults, treating the biceps tendon with a tenodesis is more reliable than repairing the labrum. Dr. Ward will explain which approach he recommends and why.
How the surgery is done
SLAP tears are treated arthroscopically through small incisions, usually as an outpatient procedure. The final decision is made once Dr. Ward can see the tear directly:
- Debridement — trimming frayed labrum when the tear is minor and stable
- Repair — reattaching the torn labrum to the rim of the socket with small suture anchors
- Biceps tenodesis or tenotomy — when the tear extends into the biceps attachment, releasing the biceps and, in a tenodesis, reattaching it lower on the upper arm bone
Other problems found at the same time, such as rotator cuff or bursa issues, can be treated during the same surgery.
Why the choice matters for recovery
A debridement alone usually recovers like a simple shoulder arthroscopy. A labral repair needs more protection so the labrum can heal to bone. A biceps tenodesis has its own restrictions to protect the reattached tendon. Your recovery plan is based on what is actually done.
Recovery overview
Typical ranges after a SLAP repair. Dr. Ward’s plan for you may differ based on the tear and the procedure performed.
Weeks 0–6
- Sling typically for 2–6 weeks, depending on the repair
- Gentle, passive, pain-free motion early, guided by your therapist
- Lifting is limited to light objects (often about 5 pounds) and may stay limited for up to 12 weeks
Weeks 6–12
- Motion continues to improve
- Rotator cuff and shoulder blade strengthening typically starts 6–10 weeks after surgery
- Everyday activities return gradually
Months 3–6
- Sport-specific exercises typically begin around 12 weeks
- Throwing athletes often start an interval throwing program 3–4 months after surgery
- The shoulder is typically fully healed at 4–6 months
When to call the clinic
Call 520-881-1394 if you notice any of the following after surgery or while you are recovering:
- A fever of 101°F or higher, or chills
- Redness spreading around an incision, or drainage that is cloudy, foul-smelling, or keeps soaking the dressing after the first few days
- New or worsening numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand once the nerve block has worn off, or fingers that turn pale, blue, or cold
- Pain that is not controlled by your prescribed medication, ice, rest, and the sling
- Swelling, pain, or tenderness in the calf or arm that is new or getting worse
It is normal for the shoulder and arm to feel numb for roughly 12–24 hours after a nerve block, and for the shoulder to be sore and bruised for a while. Call if something feels different from what you were told to expect.
for chest pain, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing. These can be signs of a blood clot in the lungs and need emergency care.
If something does not match the instructions you were given, call the office. Dr. Ward or one of his physician assistants will get back to you.
Related resources
Shoulder arthroscopy post-op
Wound care, pain control, ice, and early motion after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Open pageShoulder post-op hub
All of Dr. Ward’s shoulder packets, rehab protocols, and anatomy guides in one place.
Open pageExercise guides
Printable home exercise programs to use with your physical therapist.
Open pageRotator cuff repair
What happens when a torn rotator cuff tendon is repaired, and the week-by-week rehab plan.
Open pageOrthoInfo: SLAP tears
Patient education on SLAP tears from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
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