SLAP Repair

Repair or reconstruction of two or more torn knee ligaments, including the ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL and posterolateral corner, after high-energy injuries and knee dislocations.

Multi-Ligament Knee Reconstruction

Arthroscopic repair of a superior labral tear where the biceps tendon anchors to the shoulder socket, for deep shoulder pain, clicking and overhead symptoms.

SLAP Repair

Releasing the damaged long head of the biceps tendon from inside the shoulder and anchoring it to the upper arm bone to relieve front-of-shoulder pain while preserving biceps strength.

Biceps Tenodesis

Stabilization or ligament reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint after a severe shoulder separation, when the collarbone will not stay in place on its own.

AC Joint Surgery

Treatment of collarbone fractures, from sling care to plate-and-screw fixation (ORIF) for displaced, shortened or slow-healing breaks.

Clavicle Fracture Repair

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Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

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Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

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What it is

SLAP Repair

A SLAP tear involves the upper portion of the shoulder labrum, where the long head of the biceps tendon attaches.

It causes deep shoulder pain, clicking, catching and discomfort with overhead activity.Repair reattaches the torn labrum to the socket with sutures and small anchors, arthroscopically. Not every SLAP tear should be repaired; debridement or biceps tenodesis sometimes gives a better result.

Performed by

Kevin Christensen, MD, Knee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. ChristensenKnee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine

J. Ryan Taylor, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. TaylorShoulder and Sports Medicine

Michael Carlson, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. CarlsonShoulder and Sports Medicine

Jeffrey Wallentine, MD, Joint Replacement surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. WallentineJoint Replacement

or call801-640-0000

SLAP Repair

Who It Helps

Repair fits symptomatic, unstable superior labral tears that have not improved with nonsurgical treatment, particularly in younger patients and overhead athletes.Tears follow falls, sudden traction injuries, repetitive overhead sport or gradual wear. In patients over forty or with a damaged biceps tendon, tenodesis is often the better operation.

SLAP Repair

What to Expect

Outpatient arthroscopic surgery under general anesthesia with a nerve block, usually one to two hours depending on associated procedures.Through small incisions your surgeon evaluates the labrum and biceps attachment and reattaches the torn labrum when appropriate. Home the same day in a sling.Pitchers, climbers and volleyball players from Utah County programs make up most of our SLAP patients; the return-to-throw program is built around the local season. Dr. Christensen, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Wallentine operate at Utah Valley Hospital and Spanish Fork Hospital.

SLAP Repair

Recovery Timeline

Six weeks in a sling with pain control and gradual motion within prescribed limits; resisted biceps work and heavy lifting are restricted.Weeks six to twelve add active motion and gradual strengthening.Months three to four build strength and stability with light recreation; months four to six add progressive overhead strengthening. Throwing and competitive overhead sport return at six to nine months or later after functional testing.

Milestones

Week 0 to 6Sling, protected motion

Week 6 to 12Active motion, strength

Month 4 to 6Overhead strengthening

Month 6 to 9Throwing and sport

SLAP Repair

Risks and Considerations

Stiffness, persistent discomfort, infection, nerve injury, blood clots and incomplete healing are the main risks.Some patients keep pain or stiffness despite a successful repair, especially with other shoulder conditions present. Your surgeon weighs tear pattern, biceps health and activity demands, and may recommend tenodesis instead.

SLAP Repair

Your Surgeons

Dr. Christensen, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Wallentine perform this procedure at Surgery Partners Provo, Spanish Fork Hospital, Central Utah Surgical Center, Timpanogos Regional Hospital, Mountain View Hospital and Intermountain Health Surgery Center Saratoga Springs.

Dr. Christensen, MD

Andrews Institute sports medicine fellowship under Dr. James Andrews. Board certified in orthopedic surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. Fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Taylor, MD

Dual fellowship trained in sports medicine and in shoulder and elbow surgery. Former Division I football player.

Dr. Carlson, MD

Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip and ankle. Published sports medicine researcher. Fourteen years in practice.

Dr. Wallentine, MD

Thirty-four years in practice. Mako robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement. Stanford sports medicine fellowship. BYU athletics team surgeon.

SLAP Repair

Related Procedures and Conditions

Biceps Tenodesis

Shoulder Labral Repair

Shoulder Arthroscopy

SLAP Tear

Throwing Injuries

or call801-640-0000

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330