Shoulder injuries in tennis players

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• The overhead action in throwing sports is unnatural and dynamic, pushing joints beyond physiological limits.
• The shoulder is highly susceptible to injury from the overload of anatomical structures during such motions.
• Optimal shoulder function depends on kinetic chain efficiency, stability, and scapular coordination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review shoulder injuries in tennis players resulting from the overhead motion.
• To explain these injuries using the same mechanisms as 'thrower's shoulder'.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on biomechanics and injury mechanisms in overhead athletes.
• Analysis of anatomical structures and muscle function during the overhead action.
• Comparison of injury mechanisms between tennis players and other throwing athletes.

Main Results:

• The overhead motion in tennis places significant stress on shoulder structures.
• Imbalances in rotator cuff muscles and capsular structures compromise shoulder stability.
• The mechanism causing shoulder injuries in tennis is consistent with that of 'thrower's shoulder'.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the biomechanics of the overhead action is key to preventing shoulder injuries in tennis.
• Maintaining rotator cuff balance and scapular stability is essential for athletes.
• The 'thrower's shoulder' mechanism provides a framework for understanding tennis-related shoulder injuries.