Title: RTP Outcomes Following a SLAP tear in a D3 Lacrosse Athlete
Name: Frank Dore
Primary Presenters: Frank Dore
College of Health Sciences
Masters
Faculty Sponsor(s): Haley Ericksen

Background: Superior Labral Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) tears are a common injury that occurs in many overhead athletes such as throwers. It is an injury that can occur from either an acute or chronic mechanism such as a tackle or repetitive overhead motion. Treatment for SLAP tears can be conservative or operative but both involve strengthening the musculature acting on the shoulder while maintaining full ROM. Patient: A 22-year-old male defensive lacrosse played reported pain in the anterior portion of his left shoulder during a lacrosse game in October 2019 after coming into contact with a player on the opposing team. The athletic trainer suspected a SLAP tear and was referred to a physician who confirmed the diagnosis. Differential Diagnosis: SLAP tear, anterior shoulder instability, AC joint sprain. Treatment: The patient started conservative rehabilitation in order to finish off the season until it was cut short due to COVID-19. During this time, the patient was unable to continue treatment but worked in a physically demanding job during the summer where he experienced limited ROM overhead, pain, and increased fatigue. Ten months after the initial injury, the patient underwent operative treatment. He then started a 6 month return to play protocol that focused on progressively increasing pain-free ROM, rotator cuff and scapular strengthening, and functional sport-specific training. Outcomes: The patient had no complications during or after surgery and has progressed through the SLAP tear protocol as expected. Conclusions: A men’s lacrosse player successfully completed rehabilitation after undergoing surgical repair for a SLAP tear in his left shoulder. Clinical Bottom Line: In this case, the patient had an extended period from the diagnosis of a SLAP tear to when he finally underwent surgery and had positive outcomes. This could give hope to other athletes who may need to delay surgery.