Related Experiment Videos
Shoulder dislocation in Swedish ice hockey players
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|November 1, 1978
Summary
Elite ice hockey players frequently experience humeroscapular (shoulder) dislocations, with recurrence common in younger athletes. Surgical intervention allows most players to continue their sport, even with some mobility loss.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Humeroscapular dislocation is a significant concern in elite ice hockey.
- Recurrence rates and influencing factors require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and recurrence rates of humeroscapular dislocation in elite Swedish ice hockey players.
- To evaluate the impact of age, immobilization, and surgical intervention on recurrence and return to play.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of elite ice hockey players in Sweden.
- Data collection on dislocation incidence, recurrence, age, immobilization duration, surgical outcomes, and return to sport.
Main Results:
- 8% of elite ice hockey players experience humeroscapular dislocation.
- 90% recurrence rate in players over 20, decreasing with age.
- Surgery enabled 30 of 32 players to continue hockey, tolerating mobility loss.
- One-third of players continued hockey despite recurrent dislocations without surgery.
Conclusions:
- Humeroscapular dislocation is prevalent in elite ice hockey, particularly in younger players.
- Surgical treatment is effective for return to play, with good tolerance for reduced mobility.
- Non-operative management can also allow continued participation for some athletes.