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Anterior shoulder instability in weight lifters
M L Gross1, S L Brenner, I Esformes
1Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Associates, Emerson, NJ 07650.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Occult shoulder instability commonly affects weight lifters, causing pain in the at-risk position. Conservative treatment or surgery can help athletes return to weight lifting.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Occult instability is a known cause of shoulder dysfunction in throwing athletes.
- Limited research exists on occult instability in non-throwing athletes, such as weight lifters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of shoulder instability in weight lifters.
- To analyze symptoms, physical findings, and treatment outcomes for this population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 23 shoulders in 20 weight lifters.
- Evaluation of symptoms, physical examination findings, and treatment responses (conservative and surgical).
Main Results:
- All athletes reported pain, specifically posterior shoulder pain, when the arm was in abduction and external rotation (the 'at-risk' position).
- Conservative management (rehabilitation, technique modification) was successful in 13 shoulders (10 athletes).
- Surgical intervention was required for the remaining 10 shoulders that did not respond to conservative care.
Conclusions:
- Weight lifters can experience occult shoulder instability presenting with posterior shoulder pain in the 'at-risk' position.
- Both conservative and surgical treatments can lead to successful return to weight lifting activities.
- This study highlights the importance of recognizing and managing occult instability in non-throwing athletes.