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Acute brachial neuropathy in athletes
E B Hershman1, A J Wilbourn, J A Bergfeld
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Acute brachial neuropathy, a cause of shoulder pain in athletes, requires careful diagnosis. Early recognition and rehabilitation are key, though full strength recovery may not always occur.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Acute brachial neuropathy is an uncommon cause of shoulder pain and disability.
- It can occur in athletes, necessitating its inclusion in differential diagnoses for shoulder-related symptoms.
Observation:
- Symptoms may arise from both contact and noncontact sports.
- Pain onset is often acute, severe, and persistent, even at rest.
- Patchy involvement of the brachial plexus or peripheral nerves, particularly in the dominant arm, is characteristic.
Findings:
- Electromyography and nerve conduction studies can confirm the diagnosis.
- Treatment involves rest followed by a rehabilitation phase.
- Persistent weakness in affected muscles is common post-treatment.
Implications:
- Athletes may experience persistent weakness, making return-to-play decisions complex.
- Individualized assessment is crucial for determining an athlete's readiness to resume athletic activities.
- Understanding these specific clinical indicators aids in timely diagnosis and management of athletic shoulder injuries.