Acute complex SLAP lesion

The SLAP lesion is a frequently observed lesion of the shoulder involving the superior glenoid labrum and long head biceps tendon. It is caused by falls onto an outstretched arm, inferior traction pull, abduction-external rotation injuries, anterior traction, and upward traction. The authors describe a complex SLAP lesion: type IV associated with an anterior Bankart lesion, that underwent arthroscopic treatment a few days after trauma. At 1-year follow-up of the patient, clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging showed good healing of the long head biceps tendon and of the glenoid labrum, superior and anterior. In similar cases where evaluation is difficult because of shooting pain, drug resistance, and functional limitations of movements, we recommend arthroscopic evaluation a few days after trauma for better accuracy of imaging in the evaluation of acute lesions. © 1999 by the Arthroscopy Association of North America.