Objective: Treatment of superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions continues to be controversial, but with the development of suture anchors, it has become acceptable to repair these lesions arthroscopically. The aim of this study was to review recent trends in the evaluation and treatment of SLAP lesions, with particular emphasis on comparing the results of biceps tenodesis and SLAP repair.
Methods: All English language publications from the PubMed, Cochrane, and SCOPUS databases between 1928 and 2012 on biceps tendon, SLAP lesions, and biceps surgery were reviewed. Literature was reviewed in table form because of the lack of Level 1 studies.
Results: Surgical repair can have complications and may not return overhead athletes to their previous level of activity. Biceps tenodesis has become the preferred primary procedure in non-athletic individuals because of the high failure rate of SLAP repair. In patients with continuing symptoms after SLAP lesion repair, biceps tenodesis offers a more predictable operation than a second repair attempt.
Conclusion: Biceps tenodesis may present a viable treatment option for SLAP repair or for failed SLAP repair in some patients.