Can MRI diagnose slap tear?
An MRI scan is often done to diagnose a SLAP tear and other potential injuries to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage in the shoulder. Because of the many overlapping and interwoven structures in the shoulder, it is possible for an MRI scan to miss a smaller tear.
What does SLAP tear look like on MRI?
Common diagnostic criteria for a SLAP lesion by MR or MR arthrography include the following: presence of a laterally curved, high signal intensity in the labrum on a coronal image, multiple or branching lines of high signal intensity in the superior labrum on a coronal image, full-thickness detachment with irregularly …
What is a Type 3 SLAP tear?
SLAP Type 3 A Type 3 tear is a ‘bucket-handle’ tear of the labrum, where the torn labrum hangs into the joint and causes symptoms of ‘locking’ and ‘popping’ or ‘clunking’. Treatment usually involves removal of the ‘bucket-handle’ segment and then repair of any remaining detached, unstable labrum (SLAP repair).
Can an MRI miss a labrum tear?
Regular MRI scans often miss labral tears. Certainly, if the labral tear has become symptomatic to lead to arthroscopic intervention, clear delineation of pathology is able to be performed with the arthroscope.
Can you make a SLAP tear worse?
Can a SLAP tear get worse if untreated? Yes, if a SLAP tear is left untreated, some common and long-term problems could occur, including: shoulder dislocation or instability, reduced range of motion, chronic pain, and adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).
What happens if you don’t repair a SLAP tear?
Without proper treatment and physical rehabilitation, SLAP injuries can cause chronic stiffness, pain, and weakness in the affected arm. Many labral tears can also lead to joint degeneration, which will just cause you more pain in the long run.
What are the types of SLAP tears?
There are several types of SLAP tears: Type I SLAP tear involves the fraying of the top rim of the labrum, but it is still attached to the glenoid. Type II SLAP tear is the most prevalent type of SLAP tear. In this injury, the labrum and biceps tendon detach from the top of the glenoid .
Should I have surgery for my SLAP tear?
While there are many types of SLAP tears, most can be treated with physical therapy or surgery. The best method depends on your age, overall health, and specific injury. You’ll likely need surgery if your tear is severe. During the recovery process, be sure to continue physical therapy and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
What is treatment for SLAP tear?
Initial treatment methods for SLAP tears are typically nonsurgical. Depending on your injury, a shoulder specialist may recommend anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling, followed by physical therapy exercises designed to strengthen the shoulder and restore range of motion and function.
Can a SLAP tear heal without surgery?
Rehabilitation and recovery time will depend on the type of SLAP tear, the extent of the damage and treatment received. Generally, is the SLAP tear is being treated without surgery or the tear has been repaired, 6 weeks in a sling is required to allow enough time for the labrum to heal back to the bone.