Complete guide to slap repair — costs, recovery timeline, success rates, and how to find the right surgeon.
A SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) occurs at the top of the shoulder socket where the biceps tendon attaches. It is most common in overhead athletes — baseball pitchers, tennis players, swimmers, volleyball players — and in people who fall on an outstretched arm. SLAP tears cause deep shoulder pain, clicking with overhead motion, and reduced throwing velocity.
SLAP Repair: Arthroscopic reattachment with suture anchors. Best for active patients under 40 who need to return to overhead sports.
Biceps Tenodesis: The biceps tendon is detached from the labrum and reattached to the humerus. Increasingly preferred for patients over 35-40 — more predictable outcomes with less risk of stiffness.
Debridement: Cleaning up torn tissue without repair. For older patients with degenerative tears and minimal instability.
Weeks 1-6: Sling, passive range of motion only.
Weeks 6-12: Active motion, light strengthening.
Months 3-6: Sport-specific strengthening, interval throwing program for pitchers.
Months 6-12: Return to competitive throwing. Full recovery for overhead athletes takes 9-12 months.
Search 45,377 shoulder surgeons across 50 states.
Find shoulder surgeons Browse All Procedures