To analyze the general characteristics of isolated SLAP (superior labrum anterior to posterior) lesions of shoulder and to evaluate efficacy of arthroscopic treatment.

We retrospectively reviewed 43 athletic patients with 46 isolated SLAP lesions. The mean follow-up period was 21 months, and mean patient age was 25 years. Twenty seven patients presented with injury to the dominant shoulder, and 3 had bilateral involvement.

Pain and clicking were the most common symptoms. The mechanism of injury was assumed to be chafing in 27 cases, compression in 9 cases. Type 2 lesion was commonest (30 cases). The single most sensitive test was the compression-rotation test, which was positive in 92% of patients. The average UCLA score at the last follow-up was 31.6 points; 18 cases ranked as excellent and 21 as good.Postoperative performance data was obtained for in 27 athletes, 19 were able to return to their sports.

Arthroscopic surgery for an isolated SLAP lesion resulted in 85% of patients being rated good or above, and 70% of athletic patients were able to resume sporting activity.