Does superior labrum tear effect joint position sense?

Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the change in shoulder joint position sense (JPS) in patients with superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesion treated conservatively and to compare with healthy contralateral shoulder and healthy subjects. Material and Methods: We evaluated JPS at 30°-60°-90°-120° with isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex Norm, Ronkokoma, NC) in 17 patients diagnosed with SLAP tear. The mean age of patients was 36.2 (21-45). Pre and postoperative age, weight and VAS scores were recorded. The data was compared with contralateral shoulder and healthy subjects. Results: The mean age of patients and healthy subjects were 36.3±9.1 and 31.1±7.8; respectively (p>0.05). Mean VAS score of involved shoulder was 5.5±1.6 and was found to be statistically higher compared to contralateral shoulder and healthy subjects (p0.05). Conclusions: Isolated SLAP lesion doesn’t have a significant impact on JPS. This may rule out the proprioception specific rehabilitation in patients with SLAP lesion.