Characteristics of shoulder function in patients with non-traumatic rotator cuff tears complicated by superior labrum anterior to posterior lesions

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of shoulder function in patients with non-traumatic rotator cuff tears complicated by superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions.

Methods: The participants were 55 patients with non-traumatic rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and were divided into two groups; with and without SLAP lesions. Patient background, pain, shoulder joint range of motion, Japanese Orthopaedic Association shoulder score, and Shoulder 36 were compared between the two groups based on preoperative assessment.

Results: There were 31 shoulders in the with SLAP lesions group and 24 shoulders in the without SLAP lesions group. The frequency of SLAP lesions was 56%. The with SLAP lesions group had flattened biceps long head tendon, flexion and external rotation angles were significantly higher. There were no significant differences in other shoulder functions between the two groups.

Conclusion: Patients with non-traumatic rotator cuff tears complicated by SLAP lesions are characterized by high flexion and external rotation angles, which may be associated to degeneration of the long head tendon of the biceps brachii.