The suspension sling for arthroscopic fixation of SLAP lesions.

Abstract

We describe an arthroscopic technique for SLAP fixation. In most of the cases, the arthroscopic view during a SLAP repair is complicated by the posterior-superior labrum falling into the joint. We insert 2 needles over the supraspinatus portal, which are loaded with a No. 1 PDS. One needle is inserted under the surface of the posterior-superior labrum and the other over the surface. By using the anterior-superior portal, we can retrieve the 2 sutures and knot them together. By pulling the 2-knot sutures back over the anterior-superior portal, we create a sling and can hold the posterior-superior labrum back. In doing so, we gain an excellent arthroscopic view for preparing the glenoid neck and precise positioning of fixation devices without interfering with the superior-posterior labrum. The technique is easy and safe.