SLAP, Biceps, or Both: How to Manage this Difficult Problem in our Overhead Athletes (AANA19)-When to Manage Biceps Pathology in Overhead Athletes-Dr. Justin W. Griffin, M.D.

When to Manage Biceps Pathology in Overhead Athletes-Dr. Justin W. Griffin, M.D.

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker discusses managing biceps tendon and superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tear pathologies, especially in overhead athletes like baseball players, gymnasts, and CrossFitters. He emphasizes that decision-making depends on patient symptoms, sport demands, and physical findings, underscoring the importance of detailed exams and imaging to identify biceps groove pain and labral instability. Various biceps tenodesis techniques (subpectoral, superpectoral, high in the groove) are reviewed, noting variable return-to-play rates and the need to avoid over-tensioning or improper anchor placement. The speaker advocates knotless suture techniques for labral repairs and stresses the complexity of addressing combined biceps and labral pathology, highlighting that biceps tenodesis is a safe, effective option for suitable patients. He underlines individualized treatment plans, technical precision, and cautious patient selection, reminding surgeons to balance repair versus tenodesis based on pathology severity and athlete requirements to optimize outcomes.

Asset Caption

Instructional Course Lecture: SLAP, Biceps, or Both: How to Manage this Difficult Problem in our Overhead Athletes

Keywords

biceps tendon management

SLAP tear

overhead athletes

biceps tenodesis techniques

labral repair