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Howard J. Luks, MD

Howard J. Luks, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon Sports Medicine Specialist

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Labral Tears

What is a SLAP lesion or labral tear?

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Howard J. Luks, MD Updated Oct 11, 2021 Read time: < 1 min

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Labral tear- SLAP lesion

A SLAP lesion is a tear of the labrum or cartilage disc that encircles the “socket” of the shoulder. A tear can occur as a result of a single traumatic event. More commonly, though, a tear occurs as a result of chronic repetitive stress associated with an overhead sport such as pitching. A tear can lead to mechanical symptoms (popping, snapping) or it can lead to instability, where the shoulder is loose.

SLAP lesions are very much over-diagnosed and over-treated.

If you have pain at rest or at night, or pain with simple motions and stiffness, your pain is most likely NOT caused by a SLAP lesion.Many, many, many people have labral tears simply as a result of aging and use. These are painless in most cases, and usually do not require treatment.

SLAP lesions are important diagnostic considerations in younger patients with instability and difficulty throwing, pitching, slamming a volleyball, or similar activity.  IF you are a young overhead athlete A SLAP lesion may be responsible for your symptoms. If therapy and other non-operative treatments fail, then surgical repair should be considered.

For more information, visit a comprehensive labral tear discussion here. 

For a short video discussion on labral tears

Do you have questions regarding an Orthopedic injury or longevity? 

Do you want to talk to an expert who can listen to you for 45-60 minutes and explain the options in detail? 

Dr. Howard Luks offers remote guidance sessions to review your X-ray or MRI images and explain your options. 

Dr. Luks has also received hundreds of requests for educational sessions on the topics discussed in his book, Longevity Simplified.

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Categories: Labral Tears

Disclaimer:  this information is for your education and should not be considered medical advice regarding diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Some links on this page may be affiliate links. Read the full disclaimer.
Dr. Howard J. Luks

Howard J. Luks, MD is a leading orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine specialist. An expert in shoulder, knee, and other sports injuries, and author of Longevity... Simplified.

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Batter’s Shoulder : Posterior Labral Tears
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Shoulder MRI Findings in People with NO Shoulder Pain: Are Some Tears “Normal”
Why does my shoulder snap, click or pop
My shoulder snaps and pops and I hear clicking … why?

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Dr. Howard J. Luks

Howard J. Luks, MD is a leading orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine specialist. An expert in shoulder, knee, and other sports injuries, and author of Longevity... Simplified.

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Howard J. Luks, MD

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine

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Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

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