SLAP Tear

SLAP Tear? What exactly is it? A SLAP Tear definitely can be a major slap as it was for me. If you're one of the many who have experienced a SLAP Tear, then you know that it can be quite painful. Speaking from personal experience, I've had a SLAP Tear in which the glenoid labrum of my left shoulder was torn along with a total detachment of the bicep muscle from the shoulder bone.

Having 2 separate shoulder surgeries to repair my SLAP Tear injury, presented me with many challenges over the past several years. The first repair surgery lasted over 3-1/2 hours ... much longer than my surgeon expected! Wow, was that experience ever a nightmare!

After that surgery, I couldn't get past the high level of pain. I was subsequently diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Disorder or RSD. That meant 2 full courses of pain management which was totally another kind of major pain!

When I began my third course of pain management, the doctor hit a nerve that sent spasms down my right arm. I did not go back for the other two treatments.

Have you also experienced a SLAP Tear and had surgery? I'd love to hear from you! Please leave me a comment in my guestbook. It's definitely more than the name might convey -- for me it was a major S-L-A-P that SLAP Tear! P.S. Thanks to Google for including my pictures post-surgery on the first page of the image search.

Photo Credit: SLAP Tear repair surgery on JaguarJulie's left shoulder.

Quick, cast your vote about the SLAP Tear!
Have you experienced a SLAP Tear? Google "slap tear" and see what search results you get. Try web and image searches. So, have you had a SLAP Tear?

1. Yes, and I had surgery!
2. Yes, although I haven't had surgery.
3. Well, I think I might have one.
4. Nope, never had--lucky I guess!

What's SLAP?
What exactly is a SLAP tear? Well ... S-L-A-P stands for:

1. Superior
2. Labrum from
3. Anterior to
4. Posterior!

Sub-types of SLAP Tears
At least ten types of this injury are recognized with varying degrees of damage seven of which are listed here:

1. Degenerative fraying of the superior portion of the labrum, with the labrum remaining firmly attached to the glenoid rim
2. Separation of the superior portion of the glenoid labrum and tendon of the biceps brachii muscle from the glenoid rim
3. Bucket-handle tears of the superior portion of the labrum without involvement of the biceps brachii (long head) attachment
4. Bucket-handle tears of the superior portion of the labrum extending into the biceps tendon
5. Anteroinferior Bankart lesion that extends upward to include a separation of the biceps tendon
6. Unstable radial of flap tears associated with separation of the biceps anchor
7. Anterior extension of the SLAP lesion beneath the middle glenohumeral ligament

Slap Tear Symptoms

1. A dull throbbing ache in the joint.
2. Difficulty sleeping due to shoulder discomfort.
3. For an athlete involved in a throwing sport such as baseball, pain and a catching feeling are prevalent.
4. Any applied force overhead or pushing directly into the shoulder can result in impingement and catching sensations.

Heat Patches
Experiencing a lot of pain in my shoulder and back, I found that using heat patches seemed to provide some temporary relief. I have used a lot of heat wraps and patches like ThermaCare Lower Back & Hip Heat Wraps.

Slap Tear Treatment

No Intervention? Very few patients with SLAP lesion injuries return to full capability without surgical intervention.

Physical Therapy? Very rarely physical therapy can strengthen the supporting muscles in the shoulder joint to the point of reestablishing stability. For all other cases the choice is do nothing or have surgery to reattach the labrum to the glenoid.

Arthroscopic Surgery? While the surgery can be performed as a traditional open procedure, the recommended course of action is an arthroscopic surgery. This type of procedure is vastly less intrusive to the body and reduces chances of infection.

• Procedure: During the procedure the surgeon should check the general health of the shoulder joint. There are at least twenty different items of conditions that he/she should examine or look for. These include:

• SLAP lesion - labrum/glenoid separation at the tendon of the biceps muscle.
• Bankart lesion - labrum/glenoid separation at the inferior glenohumeral ligament.
• Biceps Tendon.
• Bone - glenoid, humerus - general surface condition.
• Ligaments - check for tears and condition.

My First SLAP Tear Repair Surgery
I had 3 titanium anchors to reattach my biceps tendon to the bone along with the labral repair.

After my second SLAP surgery : surgeon's marks!
Photo of and by JaguarJulie.

The Surgical Procedure ...

1. Glenoid and labrum roughened to increase contact surface area and promote regrowth.
2. Locations for bone anchor are selected based on number and severity of tear. Bad tears involving SLAP and Bankart lesions may require 7 anchors. Simple tears may only require 1.
3. Glenoid is drilled for the anchor implantation.
4. Anchors are inserted in the glenoid.
5. The suture component of the implant is tied through the labrum and knotted so the labrum is in tight contact with the glenoid surface.

Surgical Recovery

It is difficult to be precise when predicting a person's recovery from a SLAP Tear Repair Arthroscopy. You can generally expect to experience something of the following. The timeline can vary a bit according to your own surgeon's preferences and the extent of damage and repair.

1. Stage one - For the first four weeks the arm is typically kept in a sling. There are some surgeons only have the patient in a sling for a week. Patients may find themselves in an immobilizer sling like the Corflex Neutral Abduction Pillow Sling for Shoulder Labral Tear-L, which adds in a waist support to prevent movement. The first stage of recovery is about not stressing the repair site. This is the initial healing phase of the recovery.
2. Stage two - Initial physical therapy. The goal here is to increase range of motion. Load bearing through the joint should be avoided to allow the repair to complete.
3. Stage three - Increased range of motion and initial strength training. At this point, about eight to ten weeks out, the repair should be complete but not ready for full loading yet. Return to day to day activities, but not strenuous activity.
4. Stage four - completion. At about six months out the repair should be strong enough for a return to full activity.

Physical Therapy

Going through several courses of physical therapy, I got to know the Tens Unit really well. And, I liked it! My hubby, now the ex, actually bought one for me as a Christmas present.

I used my Tens Unit so many times that the electrode pads started to feel not so sticky.

Also, I found that my hubby liked using it too. Thankfully, there was a second pair of electrodes that he used for his hairy back.

Ultimately, when I was getting my divorce, I left him that former Christmas present. And, I got myself another Tens Unit. I've actually got the Drive Medical AGF-05 one.

My Second SLAP Tear Repair Surgery

After my second SLAP surgery : lots of bruising!!

After my second SLAP surgery : lots of bruising!!
Photo of and by JaguarJulie.

I returned to my orthopedic surgeon for a second arthroscopy after the initial SLAP tear repair. I was experiencing limited motion in my left shoulder along with extreme, grabbing pain when I would reach out with my hand in a forward motion. You know as you reach across the table to grab the salt and pepper?

It was about a year later that I went back. Once the surgeon got in there, he found lots and lots of scar tissue. He said it was like a giant spider's web. He did a lot of cleanup and then it was recovery time again for me! You can see all the bruising I experienced after that second procedure!

P.S. How I am feeling since my SLAP Tear surgeries?
A whole different story is my experience with 3 courses of PAIN management! I've been hearing more and more from people who have also experienced a slap tear and want to know what to expect.

Similar shoulder injuries are more common than one might expect. In addition to my mother, I've now got 4-5 friends who have complained of the same types of shoulder pain common to a slap tear.

What is key to recovery is PT, physical rehabilitation and constant activity and exercise. As I was immobilized for 6 weeks, I had to deal with the buildup of scar tissue that was debrided in my second surgery. IMHO, I am not 'pain free' but am 'aware' that I had shoulder surgery.

Someone asked about activity AFTER surgery. Well, I was in a fully-restricting arm brace and experienced a fair level of pain. However, after 7 work days, I returned to work--one handed mind you--and was driving myself to work probably 2 weeks after surgery. But, I didn't need to shift or work a clutch thankfully.

P.S. Maybe someday I will take the time to talk about my experience with PAIN after being diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Disorder RSD after my shoulder surgery. I ended up needing to have 3 courses of Pain Management which was NO fun! That included a series of 3 procedures for each course along with heavy duty meds and having a HUGE needle stuck in your spine!

Going Strapless!
When I first experienced the pain of my SLAP tear, I found wearing a bra with straps was unforgiveable. I went through a lot of bras before I found one that fit right.

Over the course of my treatment, I wasn't wearing any bras with straps.

Sometimes I would wear one of my tube tops as I didn't need to ask the hubby to hook me up! Later, when I was able to use both hands, I resorted to wearing strapless bras like the Wacoal Women's Full Figure Red Carpet Strapless Bra.

Thanks for visiting!
So, have you been diagnosed with a SLAP tear? I'd love to hear about your experiences as mine seemed to drag on for a few too many years. Had surgery or therapy? What worked for you ... or didn't?

History: SLAP Tear : What is it? was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on January 11, 2008. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #878 overall. Lens #236 in the quest for Giant Squid 300 Club.

Achilles Tendon Ruptured or Torn

Achilles Tendon Ruptured or Torn? Did you know that the Achilles Tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body? Imagine a rupture or a tear!

Well, I sure didn't know that the Achilles Tendon, my Achilles Tendon, is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body ... well, not until I began my research into this tendon. And, you could really fool me about it being the strongest! You see, I was doing some chores around the house ... specifically standing on my tippy toes and doing a lot of reaching to wipe the huge bathroom mirror over the his and hers sinks.

As I reached for the very top of the mirror, I HEARD and FELT a loud snap in the back of my left ankle! It was the strangest sound; rather 'reedy.' "Oh no! I can't believe I tore my Achilles Tendon!" Can you believe that? "Oh no!" I thought, "I'm just recovering from surgery for excision of a Morton's Neuroma in my right foot!" I surely don't need to have a torn Achilles Tendon in my other foot! You know?

P.S. We opted today to feature a creative and artsy picture of a pair of ankles with a cute bunny. You see, there isn't much to see on the outside of one's ankle [like mine] to show you a torn Achilles Tendon. It's the surgery that gets pretty graphic. We've not yet had surgery. Just been wearing the boot off and on.

Photo Credit: Ooooops by Helena Marroqui.

The Achilles Tendon Poll
Please be sure to answer our poll question! Have you ever suffered from an injury to your Achilles Tendon?

1. Achilles tendon rupture -- complete
2. Achilles tendon rupture -- partial
3. Achilles tendinitis
4. Achilles tendinosis
5. None of the above

This book covers the treatment and rehabilitation of Achilles tendon injuries. It is intended as a comprehensive guide to managing adult patients with Achilles tendon problems. All medical professionals caring for adult with foot and ankle problems are the intended audience. Additionally, orthopedic residents and fellows, as well as podiatry trainees, can learn how to correctly care for the Achilles tendon.

This techniques-oriented text is a comprehensive guide to managing Achilles tendon problems. Readers learn the latest less invasive and nonoperative treatment approaches, in addition to traditional treatments, from internationally renowned contributors. Introductory chapters provide essential background on basic anatomy, physiology, and pathomechanics.

Subsequent sections cover the spectrum of Achilles tendon injuries. Acute and chronic conditions are addressed, as well as problems specific to both adolescents and adults. The book also takes a practical approach to sports training in relation to the role of the Achilles. Rehabilitation is highlighted with an emphasis on quicker return to play. Case studies tie the book together and aid with the ready application of concepts to daily practice. ~ The Achilles Tendon: Treatment and Rehabilitation

Oh My to a Torn Achilles Tendon!
You know, it is always something!

It was just nine months after I had Morton's Neuroma surgery on my right foot that my left torn Achiles Tendon continued to be problematic. I have battled the issues with the chronic tears to my Achilles Tendon for more than a few years. It really doesn't seem that I will ever be a runner!

In 2011, I had two additional foot surgeries; starting with a bunionectomy of the right foot first. That surgery went fairly well. In a little over 90 days from that surgery, I had bunionectomy of my left foot. That was a bit more challenging for me in that I got a screw in the joint. Since the surgery, we tried to remove the screw without any luck. I am still careful with my recovering torn Achilles Tendon and sure hope that I don't need MORE surgery!

Royce Medical Equalizer Premium Air Walker

This is very comfortable -- what I've worn for my torn Achilles Tendon! Enjoy comfort and mobility while recovering from a lower-leg injury with the Royce Medical Equalizer Premium Air Walker! This product offers you the support you need with the comfort you desire, while allowing you to make the transition from crutches to walking unassisted with less discomfort.

The Royce Medical Equalizer Premium Air Walker has been shown to be effective when used with severe ankle sprains, stable lower extremity fractures, soft tissue injuries, and as part of a rehabilitation program. The air walker's patented pneumatic system allows you to find the ideal level of compression and a custom fit, and allows it to comfortably accommodate the changing levels of swelling that occur during the healing and rehabilitation process.

The user-adjustable aircells can be easily inflated or deflated using the blue air bladder at the top of the brace. The Equalizer Premium Air Walker's unique lightweight design, padding, and aircells help to give you a natural, comfortable gait while healing from your injury. The air walker is universally designed to fit your left or right foot.~ Royce Medical Equalizer Premium Air Walker - Large AW0800


In mid December 2007
I had surgery to excise a Morton's Neuroma! When it rains, it pours ... I've also had another MRI of the other foot to rule-out another Morton's Neuroma!

Doctors appointment: February 21, 2008
Release: 8 weeks post-of Morton's Neuroma excision. I had looked forward to this appointment for the past 4 weeks. However, in the meantime, I experienced difficulty with my left foot. I was having 2 separate problems … the classic symptoms of ANOTHER Morton’s Neuroma in my other foot AND the possibility of a torn Achilles tendon!

First, I was officially released being 8 weeks post-op for surgery to excise the Morton’s Neuroma in my right foot. As I’m a multi-tasker ;-), I used my visit to discuss the problems with my left foot. I had mentioned at my prior visit that I was feeling symptoms in my left foot too for a Morton’s Neuroma!

The doctor felt my ankle and mentioned that my Achilles tendon felt thin. He performed a number of manipulations and pressed on various parts of my ankle, asking did it bruise or swell. 3 x-rays of my left foot were taken and I left waiting to be scheduled for an MRI!

MRI: February 22, 2008
Wow ... scheduled the very next day! I was scheduled very quickly for an MRI of my left foot and ankle … pretty amazing that they got me in for the very next day. I had to wait about 1-1/2 hours for my MRI as it seems someone before me either moved during their MRI or the lady in front of me was a last minute schedule.

Another interesting thing I noted is that I’ll probably be billed as 2 separate MRIs … one for the ankle [Achilles Tendon] and the other for the foot [Morton's Neuroma] !!

Doctors appointment: February 28, 2008
MRI Results are in ... There is a chronic partial tear of the Achilles tendon. I have been ordered to begin wearing a Royce Medical orthopedic boot immediately for the next 4 weeks. Follow-up appointment was scheduled for 3 weeks since my doctor is vacationing on the 4th week!

Doctors appointment: April 9, 2008

After 6 weeks in the Royce boot! Well, today was D-day in finding out my progress wearing the Royce boot for approximately 6 weeks. My Achilles tendon definitely is improved to the point that my doctor opts to release me.

My instructions are to wear shoes with a bit of a heel — perhaps 2 to 2-1/2″ heels — rather than flats like I have been wearing. He tells me to be particularly careful of steps, going up and coming down, along with jumping. I haven’t got any plans for that type of exercise, so I should be OK.

However! We are taking a wait and see attitude on my Mortons Neuroma as to whether surgery WILL be scheduled. He said, “Call me when you decide you need it!”

Oh No! Surgery?
The prospect of surgery to repair a torn Achilles Tendon is scary when I see the pictures and videos!

Drop me a line -- Had any Achilles Tendon issues?

Fast forward to today -- I am still plagued by my Achilles Tendon! I sure could use the morale support of my readers as I tackle the next phase of my foot care ... hopefully I won't need surgery to repair the Achilles tendon! But, I'll probably be having surgery for another excision of a Morton's Neuroma!

History: Achilles Tendon : Ruptured or Torn was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on February 22, 2008. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #388 overall. Lens #288 in the quest for Giant Squid 300 Club.