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Posterior shoulder laxity in asymptomatic athletes
E G McFarland1, G Campbell, J McDowell
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21211-1398, USA.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Asymptomatic posterior shoulder subluxation is common in athletes, with 55% showing this trait. This finding, particularly in females, may indicate normal joint laxity rather than pathological instability.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Posterior shoulder subluxation is a clinical finding in athletes.
- Understanding its prevalence and correlation with joint laxity is crucial for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of posterior subluxations in asymptomatic athletes.
- To correlate these findings with other measures of shoulder and general joint laxity.
Main Methods:
- Physical examination of 356 shoulders in 178 athletes for posterior subluxation.
- Assessment of sulcus signs for inferior translation and general hyperlaxity tests.
- Statistical analysis using Student's t-test and chi-square analysis.
Main Results:
- Posterior subluxation was found in 55% of shoulders, more common in females (65%) than males (51%).
- Female athletes demonstrated significantly greater inferior translation (sulcus sign) compared to males.
- Ten percent of athletes exhibited asymmetrical posterior shoulder laxity.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic posterior shoulder subluxation is prevalent and may represent normal ligamentous laxity.
- It does not necessarily indicate pathological instability in athletes.
- Findings suggest a need to reconsider the clinical significance of isolated posterior subluxation.