Advanced
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
SLAP tear
Also written as: SLAP — Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior
Injury to the superior labrum extending from anterior to posterior in the shoulder.
Full Definition
A specific type of shoulder injury involving a tear in the superior (top) portion of the labrum that extends from anterior (front) to posterior (back). The labrum is a ring of fibrous cartilage that surrounds the shoulder socket and helps stabilize the shoulder joint. SLAP tears commonly occur in overhead athletes and can result from repetitive throwing motions or acute trauma. These injuries often involve the attachment point of the long head of the biceps tendon.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify SLAP type (I-IV) when documented in surgical reports.
In Context
- "MRI revealed a Type II SLAP tear with biceps anchor involvement." — Imaging report
- "The overhead athlete presented with symptoms consistent with a SLAP tear." — Clinical assessment
Also known as
superior labral tear
Contrasted with
intact labrum
Don't confuse with
Bankart lesion
Hill-Sachs lesion