MICROINSTABILITY OF THE SHOULDER IN THE OVERHEAD ATHLETE

The overhead throwing athlete is an extremely challenging patient in sports medicine. The repetitive microtraumatic stresses and extreme ranges of motion observed within the athlete’s shoulder joint complex during the throwing motion constantly place the athlete at risk for injury. While gross instability of the shoulder is possible, microinstability is seen far more frequently and is associated with a variety of different pathologies, including rotator cuff tendonitis, internal impingement, and labral lesions. Treatment of the overhead athlete requires the understanding of several principles based on the unique physical characteristics of this type of athlete and the demands placed upon the static stabilizing structures during the act of throwing. The purpose of this paper is to describe these principles and incorporate them into in a multi‐phase progressive rehabilitation program designed to prevent injuries and rehabilitate the injured athlete, both non‐operatively and postoperatively.     

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GLENOHUMERAL JOINT TOTAL ROTATIONAL RANGE OF MOTION AND THE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN? SHOULDER MOBILITY TEST

Purpose/Background:

Side to side asymmetry in glenohumeral joint rotation correlates with injury risk in overhead athletes. The purpose of the current study was to identify the relationship between side‐to‐side asymmetries in glenohumeral joint total rotational range of motion and shoulder mobility test scores from the Functional Movement Screen™ in collegiate overhead athletes. The authors hypothesized that asymmetries of > 10° in glenohumeral total rotation would not be associated with asymmetrical findings in the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS) shoulder mobility test.

Methods:

Passive glenohumeral total rotational range of motion and the shoulder mobility test of the FMS were measured during pre‐participation examinations in 121 NCAA male and female Division II collegiate overhead athletes from varied sports. Passive shoulder range of motion was measured in supine at 90° of abduction, with the humerus in the scapular plane using two measurers and a bubble goniometer. A Pearson Chi‐square analysis, p<.05 was used to associate the presence of asymmetries in glenohumeral joint rotation and in the FMS shoulder mobility test in each subject.

Results:

40/114 (35.1%) athletes demonstrated asymmetries in total glenohumeral rotation. 45/114 (39.5%) athletes demonstrated asymmetries in the shoulder mobility test. Only 17 of the 45 subjects who demonstrated asymmetry on the shoulder mobility test also demonstrated glenohumeral joint rotation differences of > 10°. Athletes with asymmetries in rotation of > 10° were not any more likely to have asymmetries identified in the shoulder mobility test (95% CI=.555‐2.658, P=.627).

Conclusions

Glenohumeral joint range of motion is one of multiple contributors to performance on the FMS shoulder mobility test, and alone, did not appear to influence results. The FMS shoulder mobility test should not be used alone as a means of identifying clinically meaningful differences of shoulder mobility in the overhead athlete. Clinicians working with overhead athletes may consider using both assessments as a complete screening tool for injury prevention measures.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3     

POSTERIOR STERNOCLAVICULAR JOINT DISLOCATION IN A DIVISION I FOOTBALL PLAYER: A CASE REPORT

Posterior dislocation of the sterno‐clavicular (SC) joint is a rare injury in athletes. It normally occurs in high collision sports such as American football or rugby. Acute posterior dislocations of the SC joint can be life‐threatening as the posteriorly displaced clavicle can cause damage to vital vascular and respiratory structures such as the aortic arch, the carotid and subclavian arteries, and the trachea. The potential severity of a posterior SC joint dislocation provides multiple challenges for clinicians involved in the emergency care and treatment of this condition. Integration of clinical examination observations, rapid critical thinking, and appropriate diagnostic imaging are often required to provide the best management and outcome for the injured athlete. The criterion for return‐to‐play and participation in collision sports after suffering a posterior dislocation of the SC joint are unclear due to the rarity of this injury. The purpose of this case report is to describe the management, from the initial on‐field evaluation through the return‐to‐sport, of a collegiate Division I football player following a traumatic sports‐related posterior SC joint dislocation. The rehabilitation process and the progression to return to participation are also presented and briefly discussed.

Level of Evidence

4‐Single case report     

Managing Shoulder Instability in the Overhead Athlete

Purpose of ReviewShoulder instability in the overhead athlete is a difficult problem because of the balance between necessary laxity for athletic movements and stability of the joint. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the clinical evaluation of shoulder instability in the overhead athlete and present evidence-based management strategies for each subtype of shoulder instability, including novel techniques and outcomes.Recent FindingsRecent investigation has shown that throwers and other overhead athletes are more likely to present with subtle subluxation events rather than discrete dislocations as their primary symptom. While overhead athletes with discrete anterior dislocation events are likely to begin with non-operative management, many progress on to surgical intervention. Surgical management of glenohumeral joint instability continues to pose challenges due to the potential for over-tensioning for the sake of stability at the expense of the adaptive laxity that often confers performance benefits in the overhead athlete. Novel, individualized, and sport/position specific approaches are needed to address this complex issue.SummaryThe optimal management of shoulder instability in the overhead athlete continues to be a controversial topic due to the complex work-up, an increasing number of surgical options with varying indications, and low volume of high-quality studies comparing any of the treatment options. The Anterior Shoulder Instability International Consensus Group guidelines from February 2022 offer the most updated guidelines on work-up and management. Overall, high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to determine the optimal treatment for specific pathologies and aid in creating patient-centered management plans.     

THROWING INJURIES IN THE ADOLESCENT ATHLETE

Introduction:

Adolescents ranging in age from 11–15 (early‐mid adolescence) comprise the largest percentage of baseball and softball athletes in the United States. Shoulder and elbow injuries are commonly experienced by these athletes with baseball pitchers and softball position players most likely to be injured.

Common Injuries:

Physeal injury often termed “Little League” shoulder or elbow is common and should be differentiated from soft tissue injuries such as biceps, rotator cuff, or UCL injuries. Regardless of diagnosis, rehabilitation of these athletes’ shoulder and elbow injuries provide a unique challenge given their rapidly changing physical status.

Treatment:

Common impairments include alterations in shoulder range of motion, decreased muscle performance, and poor neuromuscular control of the scapula, core, and lower extremity. A criterion based, progressive rehabilitation program is presented. Discharge from formal rehabilitation should occur only when the athlete has demonstrated a resolution of symptoms, acceptable ROM, muscle performance, and neuromuscular control while progressing through a symptom free return to sport.

Prevention of Reinjury:

Reintegration into the desired level of sport participation should be guided by the sports medicine professional with a focus on long‐term durability in sport performance as well as injury prevention. A prevention program which includes parent, coach, and athlete education, regular screening to identify those athletes at the highest risk, and monitoring athletes for the development of risk factors or warning signs of injury over the course of participation is indicated.

Level of Evidence:

5     

CLINICAL EXAMINATION AND PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF HIP JOINT‐RELATED PAIN IN ATHLETES

Evidence‐based clinical examination and assessment of the athlete with hip joint related pain is complex. It requires a systematic approach to properly differentially diagnose competing potential causes of athletic pain generation. An approach with an initial broad focus (and hence use of highly sensitive tests/measures) that then is followed by utilizing more specific tests/measures to pare down this imprecise differential diagnosis list is suggested. Physical assessment measures are then suggested to discern impairments, activity and participation restrictions for athletes with hip‐join related pain, hence guiding the proper treatment approach.

Level of Evidence:

5     

THE FEMALE ATHLETE TRIAD‐WHAT EVERY PHYSICAL THERAPIST SHOULD KNOW

Females participating in sports have the potential of developing one or multiple parts of the Female Athlete Triad, defined as the inter‐relationship among energy availability, menstrual function, and bone mineral density. Energy availability, defined as dietary energy intake minus exercise energy expended, is believed to be at the cornerstone of the triad, and complications from low energy availability span many of the bodily systems and can have psychological implications. Treatment of the triad requires a comprehensive multi‐disciplinary approach.Physical therapists frequently treat injured athletes and may have prolonged interactions with athletes depending on the length of the rehabilitation process. In addition to examination, assessment, and treatment of injuries, the role of the physical therapist includes prevention, and the promotion of health, wellness, and fitness. Thus, the goal of this clinical commentary is to identify and describe essential knowledge for the physical therapist, clearly identify the role of the physical therapist as part of multi‐disciplinary management team, and outline resources for the physical therapist and athletes relevant to the female athlete triad.

Level of Evidence

5     

THE RECOGNITION AND TREATMENT OF SUPERIOR LABRAL (SLAP) LESIONS IN THE OVERHEAD ATHLETE

The overhead athlete presents with a unique profile that may predispose them to specific pathology. Injury to the superior aspect of the glenoid labrum (SLAP lesions) poses a significant challenge to the rehabilitation specialist due to the complex nature and wide variety of etiological factors associated with these lesions. A thorough clinical evaluation and proper identification of the extent of labral injury is important in order to determine the most appropriate non‐operative and/or surgical management. Postoperative rehabilitation is based on the specific surgical procedure that has been performed, as well as the extent, location, and mechanism of labral pathology and associated lesions. Emphasis is placed on protecting the healing labrum while gradually restoring range of motion, strength, and dynamic stability of the glenohumeral joint. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the anatomy and pathomechanics of SLAP lesions and review specific clinical examination techniques used to identify these lesions in the overhead athlete. Furthermore, a review of the current surgical management and postoperative rehabilitation guidelines is provided.

Level of Evidence:

5     

TOTAL ARC OF MOTION IN THE SIDELYING POSITION: EVIDENCE FOR A NEW METHOD TO ASSESS GLENOHUMERAL INTERNAL ROTATION DEFICIT IN OVERHEAD ATHLETES

Background

Total arc of motion (TA) measured in a supine position has been utilized as a method to detect the presence of glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) in overhead athletes. A component of supine TA is supine internal rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM), which has many variables including the amount and location of manual stabilization. A sidelying position for gathering IR ROM has recently been proposed and, when combined with supine external rotation (ER) ROM, constitutes a new method of quantifying TA. This new sidelying TA method, however, has no normative values for overhead athletes.

Purpose

The purposes of this study were to develop normative values for sidelying TA in overhead athletes, determine any ROM difference between supine and sidelying TA, and examine side‐to‐side differences within the two TA methods. A secondary purpose of the study was to examine for any effect of gender or level of competition on the two TA methods.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Passive supine IR ROM, supine ER ROM, and sidelying IR ROM were gathered on bilateral shoulders of 176 collegiate and recreational overhead athletes (122 male [21.4 ± 4.7 years, 71.7 ± 2.7 inches, 25.3 ± 2.7 BMI] and 54 female [21.4 ± 5.4 years, 67.6 ± 3.0 inches, 22.5 ± 2.37 BMI]).

Results

Sidelying TA mean for the dominant shoulder was 159.6 °±15.0 °; the non‐dominant shoulder was 163.3 °±15.3 °. Sidelying TA for both shoulders (p < 0.0001) was 14 ° less than supine TA. Both TA methods exhibited a 4 ° dominant‐shoulder deficit (p < 0.0001). For the dominant and non‐dominant shoulder, respectively, there was no gender (p = 0.38, 0.54) or level of competition (p = 0.23, 0.39) effect on sidelying TA.

Conclusion

In overhead athletes, sidelying TA is a viable alternative to supine TA when examining for the presence of GIRD. Gender and level of competition does not significantly affect sidelying TA, so the mean of 160 ° on the dominant shoulder and 163 ° on the non‐dominant shoulder can be used by clinicians.

Level of Evidence

Level 3     

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT: A CASE REPORT

The management of the skeletally immature athlete sustaining injury to the anterior cruciate ligament and other knee structures provides multiple challenges for both the treating clinicians and parents of the injured child. The diagnostic process and subsequent decision making present additional complexities because of the developmental anatomy and the potential for disturbance of normal growth patterns by some surgical interventions. In the following case report, the course to appropriate management of a young athlete is detailed, including the contributions of imaging results. The reconstructive options available to orthopedic surgeons and the patient''s post‐operative progression are also briefly discussed. Rehabilitation practitioners require an understanding of the unique issues present when providing care for pediatric and adolescent athletes with knee injuries in order to assist in optimal decision making in the phases during which they are involved.

Level of Evidence:

5 (Single Case Report)     

Shoulder Isokinetic Strength Balance Ratio in Overhead Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundStudies have grouped different overhead sports and evaluated together the isokinetic strength of shoulder internal (IR) and external (ER) rotator muscles. However, muscular adaptations could be a consequence of the specific sport, and some strength imbalance between these muscles may exist as a consequence of the muscular demand unique to the sport. Therefore, grouping different overhead sports together may not be adequate.PurposeTo compare strength balance ratios between different overhead sports (volleyball, handball, swimming, judo, baseball, softball, functional movements performed at high-intensity interval training, and tennis) with a control athletic group (no overhead group).Study designCross-sectional study.MethodsA total of 237 athletes were submitted to isokinetic shoulder strength tests. The isokinetic concentric and eccentric peak torque values of shoulder internal IR and external ER rotator muscles were measured. Conventional (CR) and functional strength ratios (FR) were calculated.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the sports for the CR in the male group. Female softball athletes (90.4±13.6%) had a significantly higher CR than judo (67.3±6.9%), volleyball (74.9±15.9%), and swimming athletes (70.3±8.7%). In the female group, judo athletes had lower FR values (0.76±0.19) than soccer athletes (1.31±0.35), volleyball athletes (1.24±0.27), functional movements performed at high intensity (1.10±0.1), and softball athletes (1.40±0.39). Female handball athletes also had a lower FR (0.99±0.25) than soccer athletes (1.31±0.35) and softball athletes (1.40±0.39). Male handball (0.90±0.23), tennis (0.86±0.30), and judo (0.68±0.22) athletes had lower FR values than soccer athletes (1.20±0.21) and volleyball athletes (1.25±0.28).ConclusionsCR for males may be analyzed together, as there were no significant differences between them. However, for females, the CR for softball athletes should be analyzed individually. As there were several differences between the overhead sports according to the FRs, the authors suggest caution in grouping overhead athletes across multiple sports. These results could have important implications for the design of injury prevention and rehabilitation programs associated with the shoulder joint in overhead sports.Level of Evidence3     

IS THERE A RELATION BETWEEN SHOULDER DYSFUNCTION AND CORE INSTABILITY?

Background:

Overhead athletes often suffer injury to the glenohumeral joint secondary to inherent instability. However, little is known about the relationship between core stability and shoulder dysfunction among athletes.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the difference between healthy athletes and those with shoulder dysfunction in regard to core stability measures. Secondary purpose was to explore the relationship between measures of core stability and measures of shoulder dysfunction.

Methods:

Participants consisted of NCAA Division III overhead athletes (28 males, 33 females) with a mean age of 19.3 ± (1.1) years, mean weight of 173.6 ± (36.9) pounds, mean height of 67.8 ± (3.5) inches. Functional questionnaires (the Kerlan‐Jobe Orthopaedic Clinical Scale [KJOC] and the QuickDASH sports module) as well as Single‐Leg Stance Balance Test (SLBT), Double Straight Leg Lowering Test (DLL), Sorensen Test, and Modified Side Plank Test were completed in a randomized order with consistent raters.

Results:

MANOVA was significant at (p = .038) for the comparison between the experimental group and the control group for the values of Right SLBT. The experimental group had significantly less balance than the control group with means of 10.14 ± (5.76) seconds and 18.98 ± (15.22) seconds respectively. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the DLL and the KJOC at (r = .394, p > .05) and a negative correlation was found between the Right SLBT and the Quick DASH sports module (QD) at (r = –.271, p > .05).

Discussion and Conclusion:

Balance deficiency was found in athletes with shoulder dysfunction. According to this study, greater shoulder dysfunction is correlated with greater balance and stability deficiency. Therapists and trainers should consider incorporating balance training as an integral component of core stability into rehabilitation of athletes with shoulder dysfunction.

Level of Evidence:

3b     

Proprioceptive training therapy. Pathogenesis of typical shoulder dysfunction in athletes performing overhead activities

Shoulder instability and secondary impingement syndrome are common problems seen in athletes who perform repetitive overhead activities. Beside several functional and anatomical factors the shoulder mechanics during throwing and tennis serve provokes these injuries. The dynamic joint stability plays an important role during this typical glenohumeral pathology. After the precise examination and classification a non-operative treatment should be started consisting out of several physical and active components. To improve the dynamic neuromotor control of the athlets shoulder, exercise routines in rehabilitation and prevention should more concentrate on proprioception and kinesthesia.     

SPORTS PARTICIPATION FOLLOWING TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

Total Hip Athroplasty (THA) is a common procedure in orthopedic surgery to address severe osteoarthritis (OA) in the hip joint. With the burgeoning “baby boomer” generation and older athletes who wish to return to competitive levels of sports, understanding how sporting activity affects THA outcomes is becoming exceptionally important. The purpose of this review is to characterize the current recommendations and risks for returning to sports after THA, as well as discuss the implications of the changing demographic and level of expectation on rehabilitation paradigms.Although the actual risks associated with participating in sports after THA are unknown, there are concerns that higher levels of physical activity after THA may increase risk for fracture, dislocation and poor long‐term outcomes. Evidence surrounding the specific effect of sporting activity on wear after THA is conflicting. Newer alternatives such as metal‐on‐metal hip resurfacing are expected to provide better durability but there are concerns of systemic metal ions from mechanical wear, although the impact of these ions on patient health is not clear.Tracking outcomes in patients participating in higher level activities after THA presents a problem. Recently the High Activity Arthroplasty Score has been developed in response to the need to quantify higher level of physical activity and sports participation after joint arthroplasty. This measure has been shown to have a higher ceiling effect than other common outcome measures.There is little prospective evidence regarding the likelihood of poor clinical outcomes with higher level of sporting activity. There is some evidence to suggest that wear may be related to activity level, but the impact on clinical outcomes is conflicting. When advising an athlete considering returning to sport after THA, consider their preoperative activity level, current physical fitness, and specific history including bone quality, surgical approach and type of prosthesis.

Level of evidence:

5     

ATHLETIC PUBALGIA AND ASSOCIATED REHABILITATION

Background:

Evaluation and treatment of groin pain in athletes is challenging. The anatomy is complex, and multiple pathologies often coexist. Different pathologies may cause similar symptoms, and many systems can refer pain to the groin. Many athletes with groin pain have tried prolonged rest and various treatment regimens, and received differing opinions as to the cause of their pain. The rehabilitation specialist is often given a non‐specific referral of “groin pain” or “sports hernia.” The cause of pain could be as simple as the effects of an adductor strain, or as complex as athletic pubalgia or inguinal disruption. The term “sports hernia” is starting to be replaced with more specific terms that better describe the injury. Inguinal disruption is used to describe the syndromes related to the injury of the inguinal canal soft tissue environs ultimately causing the pain syndrome. The term athletic pubalgia is used to describe the disruption and/or separation of the more medial common aponeurosis from the pubis, usually with some degree of adductor tendon pathology.

Treatment:

Both non‐operative and post‐operative treatment options share the goal of returning the athlete back to pain free activity. There is little research available to reference for rehabilitation guidelines and creation of a plan of care. Although each surgeon has their own specific set of post‐operative guidelines, some common concepts are consistent among most surgeons. Effective rehabilitation of the high level athlete to pain free return to play requires addressing the differences in the biomechanics of the dysfunction when comparing athletic pubalgia and inguinal disruption.

Conclusion:

Proper evaluation and diagnostic skills for identifying and specifying the difference between athletic pubalgia and inguinal disruption allows for an excellent and efficient rehabilitative plan of care. Progression through the rehabilitative stages whether non‐operative or post‐operative allows for a focused rehabilitative program. As more information is obtained through MRI imaging and the diagnosis and treatment of inguinal disruption and athletic pubalgia becomes increasingly frequent, more research is warranted in this field to better improve the evidence based practice and rehabilitation of patients.

Levels of Evidence:

5