Midterm Outcomes After Arthroscopic Repair of Type VIII SLAP Lesions in Active Duty Military Patients Younger Than 35 Years.

BACKGROUND

Superior labrum from anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions represent a significant cause of shoulder pain and disability among active duty members of the US military. However, few data exist regarding the surgical management of type VIII SLAP lesions.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that arthroscopic repair would decrease pain and increase function at the midterm follow-up and allow for a high rate of maintenance of active duty status.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Consecutive active duty military patients were identified from January 2011 through June 2015 who underwent arthroscopic repair of type VIII SLAP lesions performed by a single surgeon. Patients were excluded if they underwent glenoid microfracture, other capsulolabral repair, or rotator cuff repair. Outcome measures were completed by patients within 1 week before surgery and at latest follow-up: pain visual analog scale, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score, and Rowe instability score.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. The mean ± SD follow-up was 96.60 ± 10.91 months. At final follow-up, the mean visual analog scale score improved from 8.17 ± 1.6 to 1.63 ± 1.90 ( < .0001), the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score from 41.65 ± 16.78 to 87.63 ± 13.02 ( < .0001), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score from 36.47 ± 10.26 to 88.07 ± 13.94 ( < .0001), and the Rowe score from 35.33 ± 6.56 to 90.00 ± 14.68 ( < .0001). Three patients reported postoperative complications, and 1 progressed to further surgery. Overall, 90% of patients remained on active duty military service and were able to return to preinjury levels of work and recreational activity. The failure rate, defined as persistent instability or activity-limiting pain, was 10%.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrated favorable outcomes for the majority of patients after arthroscopic repair of type VIII SLAP lesions at midterm follow-up, supporting repair as a viable treatment option for type VIII SLAP tears in this patient population.