Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • October 8, 2019
Causes and Symptoms of a Shoulder SLAP Tear

Shoulder injuries are fairly common among the general population, but they are exceptionally common among athletes. Sports that require overhead arm movement such as baseball, volleyball, and swimming can be particularly difficult on the shoulder. Among the more common injuries that may occur are tears to the labrum, or SLAP tears.


What is a Shoulder SLAP Tear?

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint with the end of the humerus (arm bone) fitting into the socket of the shoulder. However, due to the shallowness of this socket and the degree of movement of the shoulder, dislocation occurs more easily in the shoulder than in other joints. The labrum is a fibrous piece of cartilage that attaches to the edge of the socket and provides the joint with support and cushion, helping it maintain its position. SLAP (superior labrum anterior posterior) tears, occur when the superior portion of the labrum which connects to the biceps, is damaged or torn.


What Causes a Shoulder SLAP Tear?

Repetitive overhead shoulder motion such as pitching a baseball is one of the most common causes of SLAP tears. The other potential cause is acute shoulder trauma. Typical scenarios which may result in SLAP tears include:

  • Car accident
  • Falling onto an outstretched arm
  • Forceful pulling on the arm
  • Dislocating the shoulder


What are the Symptoms of a Shoulder SLAP Tear?

When a shoulder SLAP tear occurs, it is often associated by some tell-tale symptoms. Commonly, sufferers will notice deep pain at the back of the shoulder and a catching sensation, particularly during overhead movements. Other possible signs include:

  • Grinding, locking, or clicking of the shoulder joint with movement
  • Reduced range-of-motion
  • Instability of the shoulder
  • Reduced shoulder strength


Treating Shoulder SLAP Tears in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge patients who are suffering the signs of a shoulder SLAP tear have expert care nearby in the team of orthopedic physicians at Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge. Our group of highly-skilled physicians treat all manner of orthopedic injuries and can help you quickly and fully recover the strength and mobility your shoulder needs. To learn more about our team or to request an appointment, click below.



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Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • April 1, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Christopher Belleau is transitioning to The Neuromedical Center in Baton Rouge.  Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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By The Bone & Joint Clinic • March 10, 2025
Dr. Gerard Murtagh will retire from Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge on March 12, 2025, after a long and distinguished career dedicated to advancing orthopedic surgery.
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