SLAP Tear

Why is an experienced attorney critical to my SLAP tear case?

Without an experienced attorney representing you, it's possible that:

• the insurance company has denied your SLAP tear claim,
• they have ignored your calls, hoping you tire and go away,
• they make an offer to you that is insulting,
• they have told you that your SLAP tear didn't happen due to the accident, or that there is no physical evidence to support your injury claim.
  

DO NOT believe them.

A SLAP tear is a legitimate shoulder injury that can be caused by a car accident. Keller & Keller LLP has a strong understanding of SLAP tear injuries, their treatment, and the insurance company's defense in regard to these injuries.

What is a SLAP tear?
A SLAP (Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior) tear is an injury to your shoulder joint, specifically the labrum. Your labrum is a cuff of cartilage that forms a cup at the end of your arm bone that allows it to move inside. Your shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint, and because the socket of your shoulder joint is extremely shallow, it is much more unstable than other joints, leaving it vulnerable to injury.

Though SLAP tears are commonly associated with lifting, repetitive overhead motion, and falls, is is just as likely to sustain this type of injury due to a car accident.

Where does the injury occur?
A SLAP tear occurs at the point where the tendon of the biceps muscle inserts on the labrum.

How can an auto accident lead to a SLAP tear?
Unfortunately, the impact of any auto collision must be absorbed, in part, by your body. If you are aware that you are about to be in a collision, your immediate reaction might be to tense up and brace your hands against the steering wheel. Unfortunately, this often leads to severe injury. Because your shoulder is now in a non-relaxed state, it absorbs a large amount of force upon impact. A SLAP tear is the possible result from this type of collision.

What are the symptoms of a SLAP tear?
Only a physician can correctly and accurately diagnose a SLAP tear; however, you may experience any of the following symptoms that indicate serious injury:

• Moderate or severe pain during any overhead activities (throwing, etc.)
• Sensations of grinding, locking, or popping
• A decrease in your range of motion
• Loss of strength in your arm
• Occasional night pain/difficulty sleeping
• Sensation of pain during your normal daily activities
• Sensation of instability in your shoulder
  
  

How does a doctor detect a SLAP tear?
A physician may use any number of methods to detect a SLAP tear. There are several tests a skilled examiner can perform to detect for SLAP tears, though these injuries are not often easy to detect. As well, SLAP tears are not easily identified on MRIs, and sometimes the injury is not diagnosed until surgery. If a physician is able to diagnose a SLAP tear before surgery, it is through careful questioning and identifying specific symptoms such as those listed above.

What treatment is available for a SLAP tear?
A large number of people with SLAP tears may require arthroscopic surgery. Because there is very little blood flow to this area of your shoulder, traditional means of healing can be difficult to achieve. However, some people may respond to a more traditional, non-evasive form of treatment. Non-surgical forms of treatment may include:

• non-prescription and prescription strength pain relievers
• cortisone injections
• supervised physical therapy
  
• period of rest and inactivity to allow inflammation to subside
  

Is SLAP tear rehabilitation difficult?
The length of rehabilitation will depend on two main factors: the strength of the SLAP repair, and the preference of the surgeon. Usually, patients will undergo 3 phases of therapy:

First, the patient will be ordered to restrict shoulder movement for a period of of about six weeks following their surgery, though some passive motion is allowed to prevent shoulder stiffness.

Second, after the torn labrum has healed into its proper position, patients enter a second phase of rehabilitation and can begin more motion at about six weeks.

The third phase of rehabilitation will involve additional strengthening of the muscles that surround the shoulder joint. Full recovery is expected to take 3 to 4 months.

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