Question - SLAP TEAR (2-11 o'clock)

by Wayne Slack
(Bahrain)

My name is Wayne Slack I am a 42 yr old Male in the US. Navy stationed in Bahrain. My MRI revealed a 2:00-11:00 position tear. Is this a bad tear?

How long would it take to recovery from surgery? Is surgery required?
If surgery is not required could I hurt it even more by doing push-ups?

Thanks for any assistances you could provide and have a great day!

V/R

Wayne Slack

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Question - SLAP TEAR (2-11 o'clock)

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Aug 01, 2008
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Not the worst, but definitely something...
by: Bart - SII

First let me just say "Thank You" for the service you are providing for our country. I don't think our men and women in the armed forces hear that enough.

Sorry to hear about your injury. A 2:00-11:00 tear isn't really large, however, it is probably something that will necessitate surgery at some point - To describe the tear, think about the socket like a clock face. 12:00 is at the top, 3:00 to the front, 9:00 to the back, and 6:00 at the bottom. Your tear is from 11:00 to 2:00, so it encompasses the top portion of the shoulder labrum, from the back to the front. The SLAP stands for Superior Labrum, Anterior Posterior - or top, front to back.

The problem with SLAP tears is that this is where the biceps attaches, and depending on the extent of the tear, can continue to get worse with activities.

As far as surgery, if you go through rehab and continue to have problems with daily activities, it is probably needed to restore normal function. Push ups probably wouldn't make it too much worse, as long as you limited your depth, not letting your back drop below your elbows - pain would be a good guide - if they hurt, don't do them.

I am assuming you are in consultation with an orthopedic doctor - I would definitely talk to them about surgical intervention, options, recovery, etc. Normal recovery for a SLAP repair is probably somewhere around 4-6 months, depending on what type of activities you are involved in.

Here is more information about labral tears and surgery for repairing them.

Hope this helps - comment back with other questions.

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Aug 01, 2008
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Submitted by: Bart - SII

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First let me just say "Thank You" for the service you are providing for our country. I don't think our men and women in the armed forces hear that enough. Sorry to hear about your injury. A 2:00-11:00 tear isn't really large, however, it is probably something that will necessitate surgery at some point - To describe the tear, think about the socket like a clock face. 12:00 is at the top, 3:00 to the front, 9:00 to the back, and 6:00 at the bottom. Your tear is from 11:00 to 2:00, so it encompasses the top portion of the shoulder labrum, from the back to the front. The SLAP stands for Superior Labrum, Anterior Posterior - or top, front to back. The problem with SLAP tears is that this is where the biceps attaches, and depending on the extent of the tear, can continue to get worse with activities. As far as surgery, if you go through rehab and continue to have problems with daily activities, it is probably needed to restore normal function. Push ups probably wouldn't make it too much worse, as long as you limited your depth, not letting your back drop below your elbows - pain would be a good guide - if they hurt, don't do them. I am assuming you are in consultation with an orthopedic doctor - I would definitely talk to them about surgical intervention, options, recovery, etc. Normal recovery for a SLAP repair is probably somewhere around 4-6 months, depending on what type of activities you are involved in. Here is more information about <a href="http://www.sports-injury-info.com/labral-tear.html" target="_blank">labral tears and surgery for repairing them.</a> Hope this helps - comment back with other questions.

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Aug 01, 2008
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Thanks for the SLAP TEAR info
by: Anonymous

Dear Sir,

I want to thank you for the information about a SLAP tear. I have been doing a lot of research on the internet but nothing would tell me how severe my SLAP TEAR was. I have a follow up appointment in a few weeks and the doctor recommended I should have the surgery. I just needed to know how long It was going to take to heal. Sir do you really think my 2-11 position SLAP TEAR will take 3-4 months to completely heal? how big of a cut do they make into your shoulder? Thanks again!!!

Sir it is my honor and pleasure serving this wonderful country or ours! Your thanks is all I need! I have a wife and three kids in Maryland, I want to ensure that my children and everyone elses children can have FREEDOM! I don't want to see my kids
do what I do. The military is not an easy life but it's something I chose to do at an early age and I love my job!! Thank you for your kind words!!! have a great day.

R,

Wayne

Aug 01, 2008
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It is usually done arthroscopically...
by: Bart - SII

A SLAP repair is usually done arthroscopically - so you would have 3 small incisions around the shoulder - usually one in the front, one in the back, and one along the side - each is closed with one stitch, and usually they leave very small scars.

I do believe that it would take at least 3-4 months to completely heal and allow your return to full unrestricted activities. The labral repair involves reattaching the labrum (cartilage around the shoulder socket) back to the bone - they do this with anchors into the bone and sutures through the labrum. That tissue takes time to heal back strong, and 3-4 months is the minimum.

Now, you will most likely be able to do everyday things within a few weeks, but to be able to play sports or exercise strenuously with the shoulder, it takes several months.

I would agree with the doctor - this type of injury is usually treated best with surgery.

Please comment back with other questions.

Sep 02, 2008
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what now?
by: Anonymous

No wonder all your pitches were low and less than legal! HA
Hit me up sometime.....stephen.j.selph@uscg.mil

Apr 15, 2009
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WHAT!!
by: MCC I

Rub some dirt on it and get back out there you big sissy!

Jun 03, 2009
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Trying to Docs to help with SLAP tear
by: Anonymous

I have been diagnosed with a SLAP tear, don't know the clock position. This was diagnosed with an MRI, not a contrast dye MRI. I also have a bone spur, bursitis, and a larger than normal ligament. I have been in physical therapy since January, and in pain since November. I feel that I have lost enough sleep and spent enough time in physical therapy and the pain management clinic. I have lost a great deal of range of motion. When I started PT I was at 75% ROM, and now I am about 45%. I have lost muscle tone and strength. I need some advice.

Jun 03, 2009
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Trying to docs Slap tear advice
by: Anonymous

Hi,

If you have been in PT that long with worse results and have the other conditions with the tear, I would really consider the repair. Best of luck to you.