2021 AANA/ASES Specialty Session-Don’t Abandon SLAP Repair for the Throwing Athlete

Don’t Abandon SLAP Repair for the Throwing Athlete

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker emphasizes not abandoning SLAP (superior labrum anterior-posterior) repairs in throwing athletes despite complexity. SLAP lesions vary widely and often coexist with other shoulder pathologies like instability or biceps tendon issues. Repair is recommended mainly for acute, traumatic SLAPs causing pain, instability, or performance loss, especially in younger athletes with good tissue quality. Knotless repair techniques are favored to reduce stiffness and complications associated with traditional knotted anchors. Tenodesis is preferred in older athletes or when biceps tendon disease is present. Proper diagnosis, selective repair, and preserving shoulder structures are key for successful outcomes.

Asset Caption

John E. Conway, M.D.

Keywords

SLAP repair

throwing athletes

shoulder instability

knotless repair techniques

biceps tenodesis