Rotator cuff injuries in baseball. Prevention and rehabilitation

Rotator cuff and ligamentous capsule injuries are common in the young baseball player. In order to understand these injuries, it is important to first appreciate the delicate balance between shoulder mobility and stability as well as the biomechanics of throwing. This background information makes it easy to see how shoulder injuries are really part of a progressive continuum beginning with instability leading to subluxation, and later impingement which can result in a rotator cuff tear. A detailed and precise history and physical is crucial in determining where a patient might be on the continuum. An accurate evaluation will also help appropriately place a patient in one of the following 4 groups: pure impingement, anterior instability due to trauma with secondary impingement, anterior stability due to a hyperelasticity with secondary impingement, and pure anterior instability. A kinesiological repair is the initial treatment of choice. It is the best preventative or early treatment available, and consists of a specific strengthening programme. If this fails (as in only 5 to 10% of the cases), an anatomical repair is instituted. There are 4 basic guidelines when doing this surgery: (a) maintain muscle attachments and proprioceptive fibres; (b) do not shorten the capsule significantly; (c) build up the anterior labrum; and (d) regain full range of motion quickly through abduction splinting and rehabilitation. A postoperative rehabilitation programme is then diligently adhered to, as it is at least as important as the surgery itself.