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Arthroscopic Management of SLAP Lesions and Biceps Tendon Injuries

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Advanced Arthroscopy

Abstract

The arthroscope has become a tool routinely used by orthopedic surgeons. It allows the surgeon to visualize the entire glenoid labrum and the intraarticular biceps tendon, advancing our knowledge of these structures dramatically. Consequently, we can now recognize intraarticular pathology which was previously not appreciated with open surgical techniques. Tears of the superior labrum from anterior to posterior, SLAP lesions, are now well recognized. With the improved techniques of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and with the advent of magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA), these lesions can be diagnosed more accurately. This understanding has led to improved techniques for treatment. Presently, SLAP lesions can be treated arthroscopically with a high success rate. This chapter reviews the normal and pathologic labral and biceps anatomy, discusses the biomechanics of the labrum and biceps tendon, and outlines the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of SLAP lesions. It also describes the latest information regarding lesions involving the long head of the biceps tendon and outlines our approach to treatment.

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Getelman, M.H., Snyder, S.J. (2001). Arthroscopic Management of SLAP Lesions and Biceps Tendon Injuries. In: Chow, J.C.Y. (eds) Advanced Arthroscopy. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-21541-9_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-21541-9_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-9513-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-21541-9

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