Return to Sport at Preinjury Level is Common After Surgical Treatment of SLAP Lesions

Background: SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) lesions are common injuries that affect the shoulder, particularly among athletes participating in overhead sports. These lesions can lead to significant pain, instability, and functional impairment, often necessitating surgical intervention. Understanding the outcomes of surgical treatment for SLAP lesions, especially regarding the ability of athletes to return to their pre-injury level of sport, is crucial for guiding treatment decisions and establishing realistic rehabilitation expectations. Methods: This study examines the outcomes of surgical treatments for SLAP lesions through a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature from ۲۰۱۰ to ۲۰۲۴. The authors conducted a systematic review of studies reporting return-to-sport rates following surgical intervention for SLAP lesions, extracting data related to patient demographics, types of surgical procedures performed (such as arthroscopic repair), rehabilitation protocols, and time taken to return to sport. Additionally, this study assessed factors influencing successful return to sport. Results: The analysis revealed that a significant portion of athletes—approximately ۸۰-۹۰%—successfully returned to their pre-injury level of sport following surgical treatment for SLAP lesions. Factors such as the type of surgical method, adherence to rehabilitation protocols, and physical condition prior to surgery affected recovery outcomes. Athletes who underwent arthroscopic repair reported higher satisfaction levels and fewer complications compared to those who received non-surgical treatment. The study also noted that while most athletes returned to sport, some experienced long-term symptoms or decreased performance levels, especially in high-demand sports. Long-term follow-up indicated that early intervention and a structured rehabilitation program are vital for achieving optimal recovery. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of SLAP lesions generally results in favorable outcomes, with a high rate of return to pre-injury sports levels among athletes, highlighting the importance of individualized rehabilitation programs and early intervention in optimizing recovery. Future studies should focus on identifying specific rehabilitation strategies that enhance post-surgery performance and further investigate the long-term outcomes of SLAP lesion repair on athletic performance.

کلیدواژه ها:

SLAP lesion ، shoulder injury ، surgical treatment ، return to sport ، rehabilitation ، athletic performance