A SLAP tear is an injury to a piece of shoulder cartilage called the
labrum. This cartilage surrounds the shoulder socket, helping to keep it stable
when you move. Your arm muscle (biceps) is attached to your shoulder by a
biceps tendon. This tendon connects your biceps to the labrum at the top of the
shoulder joint. A SLAP tear happens when the labrum is damaged where the biceps
tendon is attached.
This picture shows one type of SLAP tear. SLAP stands for Superior
Labrum Anterior to Posterior.
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By
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Healthwise Staff |
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Primary Medical Reviewer
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William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine |
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Specialist Medical Reviewer
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David Messenger, MD |
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Last Revised
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July 6, 2011 |