Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
SLAP tears
SUPERIOR LABRAL TEAR FROM ANTERIOR TO POSTERIOR (SLAP)
Our premium shoulder services offer athletes a range of effective treatments for SLAP tears
About SLAP tears
A superior labral tear from anterior to posterior (SLAP) tear is when the ring of cartilage (labrum) surrounding the socket of the shoulder joint (glenoid) becomes torn. The labrum keeps your shoulder bone in place and causes deep shoulder pain when damaged. SLAP tears are most often seen in younger people who play sports.
Need to know
SLAP tears can be caused by repetitive motion such as sport, a nasty fall or wear and tear. People with SLAP tears experience deep shoulder pain which becomes worse with certain movements, such as throwing. Pain is usually felt at the back of the shoulder, but could be felt at the front if the tear includes the biceps tendon. Other symptoms include:
- pain when moving or staying in certain positions
- difficulty reaching items and unable to throw overhead
- discomfort when lifting items, particularly overhead
- clicking or grinding in the shoulder
- shoulder feels like it may come out the socket
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help make a diagnosis. They may ask you about sporting activities, whether you've had a recent blow to the shoulder or if you do any repetitive movements which could cause wear-and-tear.
They'll also try and find the painful area. If they suspect a SLAP tear, they may order an MRI scan.
Minor SLAP tears can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy. Activity modification or changes to sporting technique may help.
More resistant tears can be treated with arthroscopic surgery (keyhole surgery). Here, a camera is inserted into the shoulder joint so that the surgeon can see it on a screen. The labrum is then tidied and/or reattached to the bone using suture anchors.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.