SLAP Tear vs Rotator Cuff Tear: Key Differences Explained

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Dr Alan Cheung

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Singapore

MBBS (London), MRCS (England), FRCS (Trauma and Orthopaedics, England), Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine (UK), Fellow of the European Board of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

Shoulder pain can arise from various injuries, and two conditions often seen are SLAP tears and rotator cuff tears. People often confuse the two because both can cause shoulder pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm. Understanding the differences helps ensure the correct diagnosis and guide effective treatment.

Understanding the Shoulder Joint

The shoulder is a highly mobile ball-and-socket joint that allows the arm to move in multiple directions. This flexibility also makes the shoulder more susceptible to injury, especially during repetitive overhead movements or trauma.

The joint is made up of several key structures that work together to provide movement and stability:

The humeral head, which is the rounded top of the upper arm bone
The glenoid, a shallow socket on the shoulder blade that holds the humeral head in place
The labrum, a ring of cartilage that deepens the socket and helps stabilise the joint
The rotator cuff, a group of four muscles and tendons that support shoulder movement and maintain joint stability

Injury or damage to any of these components can disrupt normal shoulder mechanics, resulting in shoulder pain, weakness or a restricted range of motion.

What Is a SLAP Tear?

A SLAP tear is an injury to the superior labrum, which is the upper portion of the cartilage rim surrounding the shoulder socket. This area plays an important role in shoulder stability and serves as the attachment point for the biceps tendon. The term SLAP stands for Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior, describing the direction of the tear from the front to the back of the labrum.

SLAP tears can disrupt normal shoulder mechanics and may lead to pain, weakness or a feeling of instability, particularly during overhead movements.

Common Causes of a SLAP Tear

SLAP tears often occur due to stress placed on the shoulder joint and may result from:

Overhead sports, such as baseball, tennis or swimming
Repetitive overhead movements that strain the shoulder over time
Falls onto an outstretched arm, which can forcefully load the shoulder
Sudden pulling or traction forces, such as lifting a heavy object or abrupt arm movements

What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?

A rotator cuff tear occurs when one or more tendons of the rotator cuff become damaged or torn. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint and allow the arm to lift and rotate smoothly. Tears can range from small partial injuries to complete ruptures, and the extent of the damage can affect shoulder strength, stability and range of motion. Rotator cuff tears may develop gradually or occur suddenly, depending on the underlying cause.

Common Causes of a Rotator Cuff Tear

Rotator cuff tears commonly result from:

Degenerative changes over time, where tendon tissue weakens with age
Repetitive overhead activities, which place ongoing stress on the shoulders
Sudden trauma, such as a fall or lifting a heavy object

How Are SLAP Tears and Rotator Cuff Tears Treated?

Treatment for shoulder injuries is tailored to the type of tear, symptom severity and individual activity demands. The aim is to reduce pain, restore function and support safe return to daily or sporting activities.

Treatment Options for a SLAP Tear

Management of a SLAP tear depends on the extent of the injury and how much the shoulder is used in work or sport.

Activity modification helps reduce stress on the labrum, particularly during overhead movements.
Anti-inflammatory measures may be used to relieve pain and control swelling.
Physiotherapy focuses on improving shoulder strength, stability and movement control.
Surgical treatment, such as arthroscopic debridement or labral repair, may be considered in selected cases when symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical management.

Treatment Options for a Rotator Cuff Tear

Treatment for a rotator cuff tear varies depending on whether the tear is partial or full-thickness and how much it affects shoulder function.

Activity modification helps prevent further strain on the injured tendons.
Physiotherapy aims to strengthen surrounding muscles, improve shoulder mechanics and reduce pain.
Anti-inflammatory strategies may be used to manage symptoms during recovery.
Surgical repair may be discussed for symptomatic full-thickness tears or when non-surgical treatment does not provide adequate improvement, taking into account patient age, activity level and tear characteristics.

Persistent shoulder pain, weakness or restricted movement may indicate an underlying injury that requires specialist care, especially if symptoms do not improve with rest or follow an injury. Consulting a doctor at the International Orthopaedic Clinic allows for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. Schedule a consultation today to help you understand the cause of your shoulder pain and the most suitable next steps for recovery.

our orthopaedic specialist in singapore

Dr Alan Cheung

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

MBBS (London)
MRCS (Royal College of Surgeons of England)
FRCS (Trauma and Orthopaedics)
Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine
(Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK)

Dr Alan Cheung is a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a keen focus on treating sports injuries, adult joint reconstruction and robotic surgery (Makoplasty, Navio & Robodoc). As an avid sportsperson who is actively involved in the sporting scene, Dr Cheung empathises deeply with the needs of athletes. As a trusted orthopaedic specialist, Dr Cheung has published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and has presented at various international conferences.

Fellowship in Joint Reconstruction & Musculoskeletal Oncology
Fellowship of the European Board of Orthopaedics & Traumatology
Asia Pacific Knee Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Society
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

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