Sport-specific shoulder injuries

Abstract

In this chapter, shoulder injuries, related to sports performance, are described. Shoulder injuries are multifactorial due to the presence of several synovial and functional joints (glenohumeral, sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, scapulothoracic and coracoacromial arch) that might be injured. Acute shoulder injuries can occur as a result of a traumatic event in any sport, whereas chronic shoulder pain is often attributed to the high demands of the overhead throwing movement. Functional impingement and pain during throwing activities is the most frequent clinical finding in overhead athletes. During the clinical examination of the athlete, the clinician aims to identify the specific location and cause of impingement, the presence of rotator cuff pathology, biceps-related pathology, labral tears, instability, range of motion deficits, and scapular dysfunction.