A Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) tear is an injury to the labrum, the ring of cartilage surrounding the shoulder socket. This specialized cartilage deepens the socket, stabilizes the joint, and provides an attachment point for the biceps tendon. When conservative treatments like physical therapy fail to resolve symptoms, surgery may be necessary. The full timeline for a SLAP tear involves the procedure itself and the months-long commitment to rehabilitation required to restore full function.
Duration of the Surgical Procedure
The actual time a surgeon spends operating on a SLAP tear is relatively short, typically lasting from 60 to 90 minutes. This duration depends on the complexity of the tear and whether other procedures are performed simultaneously. The SLAP repair is almost always performed arthroscopically, a minimally invasive method using small incisions, a miniature camera, and specialized instruments. The procedure involves reattaching the torn labrum to the bone of the shoulder socket, often using small anchors and sutures. If the tear is complex or involves the biceps tendon, the surgeon may also perform a biceps tenodesis, which involves detaching and reattaching the biceps tendon to a different point on the arm bone.
Day-of-Surgery Timeline
While the actual repair takes less than two hours, the total time a patient spends at the surgical facility often ranges from four to six hours. The timeline begins with the admission and preparation phase, which commonly takes one to two hours for check-in, meeting the surgical team, and administering anesthesia. Following the procedure, the patient is moved to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for close monitoring. This recovery period typically lasts between two and three hours to ensure the patient safely emerges from anesthesia and that initial pain is managed before discharge.
Initial Recovery and Sling Use
The first phase of recovery focuses on protecting the surgical repair and allowing the reattached labrum to integrate with the bone. The patient must wear an arm sling or immobilizer almost continuously for the first four to six weeks following surgery. This immobilization prevents accidental movements that could disrupt the sutures or anchors. During this period, physical therapy is limited to passive range-of-motion exercises, where the arm is moved without engaging the repaired muscles, helping prevent stiffness while maintaining protection. Pain and swelling are managed with prescribed medication and consistent application of ice.
Physical Therapy and Return to Full Activity
The long-term success of SLAP repair hinges on adherence to a comprehensive, multi-stage physical therapy program, which generally spans four to six months. Around the six-week mark, once the sling is removed and initial healing is confirmed, the focus shifts to active range-of-motion exercises, allowing the patient to move the shoulder independently. Strengthening exercises, targeting the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles, typically begin around three months post-surgery to restore stability and power. A full return to light, non-contact activities and most daily tasks can often be achieved by six months. However, full clearance for high-demand activities, such as throwing or heavy manual labor, may take nine to twelve months to ensure the repair is fully mature.