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Rotator cuff injury in contact athletes
F T Blevins1, W M Hayes, R F Warren
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Rotator cuff injuries in young male contact athletes are often traumatic. Surgical intervention, including arthroscopic debridement or repair, led to significant functional improvement and a rapid return to sport for most athletes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Traumatology
Background:
- Rotator cuff injuries in athletes under 40 are not well-documented.
- Traumatic rotator cuff injuries can occur in contact sports like football.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and outcomes of rotator cuff injuries in male contact athletes.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical interventions for these injuries.
Main Methods:
- Study included 10 male football players (ages 24-36) with traumatic rotator cuff injuries.
- Diagnoses included contusions, partial-thickness tears, and full-thickness tears.
- Surgical treatments involved arthroscopic debridement, arthroscopically assisted miniarthrotomy, or open repair.
Main Results:
- All 10 patients underwent surgery after nonoperative treatment failure.
- Nine out of 10 athletes returned to football participation, with 7 at preinjury levels.
- Average follow-up was 21 months, showing marked functional improvement.
Conclusions:
- Persistent shoulder pain, weakness, and positive shrug sign warrant consideration of rotator cuff injury in contact athletes.
- Arthroscopic procedures followed by debridement or repair yield good functional outcomes and facilitate a quick return to sport.