Biceps anchor / SLAP classifications

SLAP LESIONS:  Snyder classification (1990),  (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior)

In: Shoulder Arthroscopy, Edited by Snyder S J, 115-132, 1994

Type 1

  • fraying without frank tear or detachment, 21%
  • frequent incidental finding in middle aged or elderly patients

Type 2

  • traumatic detachment of biceps anchor without midsubstance tear, 55%. Middle gelnohumeral ligament
  • may be included in the lesion

Type 3

  • longitudinal mid-substance tear of the superior labrum with a
  • bucket handle tear fragment, 9%

Type 4

  • as type 3 but the tear extends in to the biceps tendon,10%; Portion of the tendon is attached to the displaced fragment

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Maffet’s (1995) Subclassification of SLAP lesions.

Maffet et al, Am J Sports Med, 23:93-98, 1995

  • Types 1 – 4 : equivalent to the Snyder classification
  • Type 5 : Anteroinferior bankart lesion which continues superiorly to include separation of the biceps tendon
  • Type 6 : Unstable flap tear of the labrum with biceps tendon separation
  • Type 7 : SLAP lesion that extends antero-inferiorly along the labrum to below the MGHL

SLAP Lesions : Morgan’s Classification

(Sub-classification of type 2 SLAP, Snyder)
Morgan CD et al, Arthroscopy, 14:553-565, 1998

  • Anterior SLAP
  • Posterior SLAP
  • Combined SLAP

Variations of Biceps anchor: Vangsness

Vangsness et al, JBJS (b) 76: 951-954, 1994

Type 1: Biceps anchored all to posterior labrum

Type 2: Biceps anchored mainly to posterior labrum, small part to anterior labrum

Type 3: Biceps anchored equally to anterior and posterior labrum

Type 4: Biceps anchored mainly to anterior labrum, small part to posterior labrum