A narrative review of nerve compression syndromes in overhead throwing athletes

The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight upper extremity nerve compression syndromes and peripheral neuropathies reported in throwing and overhead athletes.

The overhead-throwing athlete may experience unique patterns of injuries and pathology related to the biomechanics and demands of the throwing motion, a demanding manoeuvre that places a significant amount of stress across the upper limb. Nerve injuries that may appear in high-level throwers include suprascapular and long thoracic neuropathy, quadrilateral space syndrome, and thoracic outlet syndrome. Nerve compression syndromes around the shoulder may appear with pain, paresthesia, and upper limb weakness. Overlapping features may be common among these compression neuropathies or mimic other common shoulder pathologies. Prompt differential diagnosis and successful treatment should be based on knowledge of key anatomical features, pathophysiology, clinical examination, and appropriate paraclinical studies.