Study: Three times more shoulder cases reported as SLAP repairs

The study by Weber and colleagues is a 5-year review of the ABOS Part II boards’ database regarding the incidence, complications and outcomes of SLAP II repairs. Although this data is purely database driven and subject to certain biases inherent to record mining, there are some very important findings of the study.

Although the increase of shoulder SLAP repairs statistically increased during the study period, the amount was modest (0.7%). One of the concerning findings is that the patients who had a SLAP repair were up to age 85 years in males and 88 years in females. The current body of literature would not support SLAP repairs in the middle-aged and elderly population, although the precise age limit has yet to be defined. In addition, the physician-reported outcomes demonstrated that 75% of patients still had postoperative pain, and function was normal in only 13%, meaning that the patients are experiencing notable postoperative limitations. However, these numbers may be somewhat difficult to interpret as there may be other confounders such as associated procedures and shoulder conditions that are independently decreasing shoulder function.

In summary, although a database study, this manuscript provides us with important information about the incidence and demographics of SLAP repairs in those that have recently taken their oral boards, and emphasizes the importance of proper patient selection and knowledge of the pathophysiology of a SLAP tear for optimal patient outcomes.