Long-term outcome after arthroscopic repair of type II SLAP lesions: results according to age and workers' compensation status.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term functional outcome of anatomic arthroscopic repair of type II SLAP lesions with suture anchors.

METHODS: We examined all arthroscopic repairs of isolated type II SLAP lesions from January 2002 through December 2007. Fifty-five patients were available for long-term follow-up at a mean of 77 months. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 39.7 years (range, 17 to 65 years); 23 patients were aged younger than 40 years, and 32 patients were aged 40 years or older. Fourteen cases involved Workers' Compensation claims.

RESULTS: Overall, functional outcome was improved from baseline compared with final follow-up for both American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (44.1 points v 86.2 points, P < .001) and University of California, Los Angeles scores (19.1 points v 31.2 points, P < .001). According to the University of California, Los Angeles grading system, 87% of cases had good or excellent results. Although the percentage of good and excellent results among patients aged 40 years or older (81%) was lower than that among patients aged younger than 40 years (97%), this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .219). The percentage of good and excellent results among the non-Workers' Compensation cases (95%) was significantly higher than that in Workers' Compensation cases (65%) (P = .009). Overall, patient satisfaction was reported in 91% of cases, and return to normal sport or activity was reported in 82% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS: In 87% of cases, a good or excellent functional outcome can be anticipated after arthroscopic repair of type II SLAP lesions with the described techniques. Variables associated with a poor outcome include Workers' Compensation cases and possibly older age (≥40 years).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.