Superior Labral Anterior to Posterior Tears: Repair, Tenodesis, or Both?

Superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears are highly prevalent in overhead athletes and heavy laborers. Biomechanical adaptations as well as anatomic factors make the area prone to injury with a diminished healing potential. Previously, SLAP tears were repaired frequently with often poor postoperative function secondary to increased stiffness. Recently, the trend has shifted toward addressing the bicep anchor with a bicep tenodesis. Return to sports is multifactorial and depends on type of activity; however, about 79.5% of athletes are able to return to sport after an isolated SLAP repair. The rate of return is lowest in professional pitchers.