Arthroscopic Diagnosis and Treatment in Type II Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior (SLAP) Tear: A Case Report

Superior labrum anterior and posterior lesions (SLAP) is one of shoulder pathologies caused by acute trauma or repetitive stress. Type II SLAP is the most common type at around 50% cases. In limited setting hospital where MRI isn’t available, arthroscopy may diagnose and manage SLAP lesion in one procedure. This case report aims to discuss arthroscopy as diagnostic and management modality in type II SLAP tear. A 56-year-old man came with pain of the right shoulder after playing badminton. There was a "clicking" sensation when raising the shoulder and difficulty in shoulder flexion and abduction. There was no abnormality on x-ray examination. The patient was treated conservatively and given platelet rich plasma but the complaint persisted. MRI couldn’t be performed due to limited facilities. The patient was then advised to undergo arthroscopy. During arthroscopy, the patient was diagnosed with type II SLAP tear. The tear was then repaired with suture anchor of the labrum to glenoid under arthroscopy direction. Arthroscopy as a modality for diagnosis and management of SLAP is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide direct visualization and evaluate other shoulder pathologies. Arthroscopy was said to provide good recovery results functionally or anatomically so that it could increase patient satisfaction. Suture anchors in arthroscopy had also been shown to provide more biomechanical stability. Diagnosis and management of type II SLAP tear with arthroscopy could provide many advantages. Arthroscopy could be considered as the primary modality in cases of SLAP lesions.