Acute painless shoulder weakness during high-intensity athletic training.
Am J Sports Med
; 37(1): 175-80, 2009 Jan.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19124836
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
High-intensity repetitive athletic activities may predispose the brachial plexus to repetitive stretch, compression, and subsequent injury, although painless shoulder weakness is a rare event.PURPOSE:
The physical examination and electrodiagnostic findings in a series of United States Navy special warfare trainees who presented with acute painless shoulder weakness are presented, along with subsequent treatment and return-to-duty timeline. STUDYDESIGN:
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.METHODS:
From August 2005 to August 2006, a total of 11 of 212 (5%) Navy Basic Underwater Demolition School trainees were identified with acute onset (<3 weeks) painless shoulder weakness without any prior shoulder injury. In all shoulders, symptoms began during a telephone pole lift-carry drill. All trainees underwent serial examinations, electrodiagnostic testing, and a comprehensive rehabilitation program.RESULTS:
Physical examination revealed universal weakness in flexion and abduction and electrodiagnostic studies confirmed injury to the C5-6 area of the brachial plexus (axillary, suprascapular, and musculocutaneous). All 11 patients were removed from training and started on a physical therapy program until functional recovery at a mean of 21 weeks after onset of symptoms (range, 12-24). All 11 resumed military activities; however, only 6 completed the Navy Basic Underwater Demolition School program.CONCLUSION:
In physically intense training or athletic environments, injuries to the upper brachial plexus may present with various forms of upper extremity dysfunction, including painless shoulder weakness. This information provides insight into a potentially debilitating shoulder problem and offers guidance on future training principles.
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Ombro
/
Debilidade Muscular
/
Esforço Físico
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2009
Tipo de documento:
Article