title: The recognition and treatment of superior labral (slap) lesions in the overhead athlete.
abstract: The overhead athlete presents with a unique profile that may predispose them to specific pathology. Injury to the superior aspect of the glenoid labrum (SLAP lesions) poses a significant challenge to the rehabilitation specialist due to the complex nature and wide variety of etiological factors associated with these lesions. A thorough clinical evaluation and proper identification of the extent of labral injury is important in order to determine the most appropriate non-operative and/or surgical management. Postoperative rehabilitation is based on the specific surgical procedure that has been performed, as well as the extent, location, and mechanism of labral pathology and associated lesions. Emphasis is placed on protecting the healing labrum while gradually restoring range of motion, strength, and dynamic stability of the glenohumeral joint. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the anatomy and pathomechanics of SLAP lesions and review specific clinical examination techniques used to identify these lesions in the overhead athlete. Furthermore, a review of the current surgical management and postoperative rehabilitation guidelines is provided.
  
  
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authors.affiliation: Champion Sports Medicine, A Physiotherapy Associates Clinic, American Sports Medicine Institute, Birmingham, AL, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Wilk
authors.forename: Leonard C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Macrina
authors.forename: E Lyle
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Cain
authors.forename: Jeffrey R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Dugas
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Andrews
keywords: Dynamic stability; glenohumeral; overhead athlete; rehabilitation; shoulder