Diagnosis and Nonoperative Treatment of Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries in Athletes and Guide for Return to Play.

Injury to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint accounts for approximately 40% to 50% of all shoulder injuries. In contact sports, the prevalence of AC joint injury increases. This injury is frequently encountered and treated by fellowship-trained as well as general orthopedic surgeons. As such, it is important to understand the diagnostic and treatment pathways for AC joint disruption. The treatment pathways in athletes may be different from those in the general population. This article will focus on the diagnosis and nonoperative treatment of AC joint injuries in athletes. We will also comment on return-to-play guidelines after this nonoperative treatment.

Return to Sports Following Shoulder Injury: Clinical Evaluation, Isokinetic, and Functional Testing.

ABSTRACT: The shoulder is commonly injured in overhead sports. This is associated with a high degree of mobility at the expense of stability, sports specific demands, high volume or intensity of practice and competition, biomechanical deficits, and poor technique. Following injury, the return to competition process includes nonsurgical or surgical treatment, comprehensive rehabilitation, and a structured return to sports program. The return to sports continuum is divided into phases which include return to practice of the sport, return to competition at a lower level or with reduced performance, and return to expected performance. Components of the return to sports decision include clinical evaluation of physical and psychological readiness, measurement of muscle strength using isokinetic tests, evaluation of overhead functional tasks, and progression in a supervised interval throwing program. The evidence for the effectiveness of return to sports programs following shoulder injury is limited but evolving and is an area that will merit continued investigation.

A Sports Medicine Clinician's Guide to the Diagnosis and Management of Distal Clavicular Osteolysis.

ABSTRACT: Weightlifting associated shoulder injuries have seen a dramatic rise in the last 20 years. Distal clavicular osteolysis, coined weightlifter's shoulder, is one such condition caused by repetitive microtrauma to the distal clavicle with subsequent, painful development of bony erosions and resorption of the distal clavicle. Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this condition can be challenging. In this article, we highlight evidence-based clinical recommendations for the diagnosis and management of distal clavicular osteolysis, including specific considerations for atraumatic and posttraumatic etiologies, to help clinicians better care for their patients. Activity modification and rehabilitation are the mainstays of the initial treatment. Adjuvant treatments, such as injections or surgery, may be required in refractory cases or in certain patient populations. Early recognition and treatment of weightlifter's shoulder is essential to prevent progression to acromioclavicular joint pathology or instability and to allow for continued participation in sport-specific activities.

Acute Shoulder Injuries in Adults.

Acute shoulder pain lasting less than six months is a common presentation to the primary care office. Shoulder injuries can involve any of the four shoulder joints, rotator cuff, neurovascular structures, clavicle or humerus fractures, and contiguous anatomy. Most acute shoulder injuries are the result of a fall or direct trauma in contact and collision sports. The most common shoulder pathologies seen in primary care are acromioclavicular and glenohumeral joint disease and rotator cuff injury. It is important to conduct a comprehensive history and physical examination to identify the mechanism of injury, localize the injury, and determine if surgical intervention is needed. Most patients with acute shoulder injuries can be treated conservatively using a sling for comfort and participating in a targeted musculoskeletal rehabilitation program. Surgery may be considered for treating middle third clavicle fractures and type III acromioclavicular sprains in active individuals, first-time glenohumeral dislocation in young athletes, and those with full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Surgery is indicated for types IV, V, and VI acromioclavicular joint injuries or displaced or unstable proximal humerus fractures. Urgent surgical referral is indicated for posterior sternoclavicular dislocations.

Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries in Sport.

ABSTRACT: Sport-related shoulder injuries, including disruptions to the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ), are common. An ACJ injury is classified by the degree and direction of the clavicle displacement. Although the diagnosis can be made clinically, standard radiographic views are important to determine the severity of the ACJ disruption and assess for concurrent injuries. The majority of ACJ injuries can be managed nonoperatively; however, surgical treatment is indicated in some cases. Long-term outcomes are generally favorable for most ACJ injuries, and athletes generally return to sport without functional limitations. This article provides an in-depth discussion regarding all aspects of ACJ injuries, including clinically relevant anatomy, biomechanics, evaluation, treatment, and complications.

Protective Sport Bracing for Athletes With Mid-Season Shoulder Instability.

CONTEXT: In-season glenohumeral instability is a common clinical dilemma faced by physicians who care for athletes. Both nonoperative and operative management of athletes with in-season glenohumeral instability have been well described. Functional bracing remains less understood as a treatment modality. This review aims to provide an update on the most recent literature regarding the use of functional bracing for shoulder instability. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: MEDLINE (PubMed and Ovid platforms), Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews were searched for articles available in English through June 1, 2021. The search terms shoulder brace, shoulder instability, athlete, in-season, glenohumeral instability, anterior shoulder instability, posterior shoulder instability, and bracing were used. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. RESULTS: Research on the clinical outcomes of functional bracing remains mixed for patients with shoulder instability. Two studies have demonstrated improved return to play with functional bracing, while 1 study demonstrated no difference in return to play between braced athletes and nonbraced athletes with anterior instability. One previous study demonstrated that prophylactic use of bilateral shoulder stabilizing braces significantly decreased time lost due to injury in athletes with posterior instability. Previous biomechanical studies have demonstrated improved proprioception with brace wear as well as successful limitation of active shoulder range of motion. CONCLUSION: Bracing in athletes with shoulder instability remains an important nonoperative treatment modality. While clinical benefits are yet to be validated through high-quality studies, preliminary results suggest a potential benefit to recovery, with minimal downsides. Nevertheless, the use of bracing remains an individual choice but is especially recommended in settings of high-risk sports for shoulder instability, such as football.

SLAP Tears: Treatment Algorithm.

SLAP lesions can be significant pain generators in the shoulder. These injuries are the most common shoulder injury in overhead athletes, as repetitive overhead motion is the most common etiology of SLAP lesions. These lesions present a diagnostic and treatment challenge to patients and physicians. Factors to consider when discussing treatment options for SLAP lesions include age, type of sports activity, level of sports participation, and degree of symptoms. Nonoperative management is the first-line treatment for most young, active patients without history of trauma, mechanical symptoms, and/or demand for overhead activities. These conservative measures include rest, avoidance of aggravating factors, injections, and physical therapy focusing on correcting scapular dyskinesis, restoring range of motion and strength, and evaluating the biomechanical throwing motion. It has been reported that 40% of professional baseball players can successfully return to play after rehabilitation alone. Alternatively, operative treatment is reserved for failure of nonoperative treatment and those with persistent symptoms that prevent individuals from participating in sports activities or activities of daily living. The two most common operative treatment options include arthroscopic repair versus biceps tenodesis. Arthroscopic repair can be considered in younger athletes (<30 years old) and elite athletes who are involved in overhead sports (baseball, tennis, volleyball) and consists of repairing the labral anchor back to the superior glenoid rim with knotless anchor repair techniques. Alternatively, biceps tenodesis is the first-line treatment option for failed SLAP repairs, and as an index procedure, traditionally has been reserved for middle-aged individuals (>30 years old), patients receiving workers' compensation, nonoverhead athletes, or in those with concomitant rotator cuff tears. However, due to a relatively high failure rate of SLAP repairs, biceps tenodesis as an index procedure is gaining more popularity, as emerging evidence suggests encouraging functional outcomes and return-to-sport rates even in younger athletes.

Results of Latissimus Dorsi Transfer using a Tendinous Allograft through a Single Deltopectoral Approach for Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears / Resultados da transferência do grande dorsal alongado com enxerto tendíneo homólogo por via delto-peitoral para lesões póstero-superiores irreparáveis do manguito rotador

Abstract Objective The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate the functional results of a modification to the latissimus dorsi (LD) transfer around the shoulder for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. The secondary aim is to evaluate variables that might influence the outcomes. Surgical Technique Through a single deltopectoral approach, the LD tendon is detached, reinforced, and elongated with a tendinous allograft, transferred around the humerus, and fixed superolaterally to the greater tuberosity and anteriorly to the subscapularis. Methods Retrospective functional evaluation of 16 cases. The average follow-up was 21 months (12-47). The postoperative results (at last follow-up) were compared with the preoperative ones, as well as to other pre, intra, and postoperative variables. Results All (but one) patients were satisfied. Average University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score increased from 11.6 (8-16) to 27.3 (17-30) (p< 0.001). Improvements of shoulder pain, function, and strength achieved statistical significance (p< 0.001). Nonetheless, normal strength was never restored. Average active range of motion improved as follows: forward elevation, from 106° (60-140°) to 145° (130-160°) (p< 0.001); external rotation from 30° (0° to 60°) to 54° (40-70°) (p< 0.001); and internal rotation from L1 (gluteus to T7) to T10 (T12-T3) (p< 0.05). No complication has occurred. Preoperative pseudoparesis was reverted in all the six cases in which it was present. None of the variables analyzed influenced the outcomes, including pseudoparesis. Conclusions At early follow-up, this technique is safe and effective at recovering from pseudoparesis and at improving shoulder pain, function, and strength.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo primário do presente trabalho é avaliar os resultados funcionais de uma modificação na transferência do grande dorsal no ombro para o tratamento de lesões póstero-superiores irreparáveis do manguito rotador. O objetivo secundário é avaliar as variáveis que podem influenciar os resultados. Técnica cirúrgica Por meio de uma única abordagem deltopeitoral, o tendão do músculo grande dorsal é desinserido reforçado e alongado com um enxerto tendíneo homólogo, transferido para o úmero e fixado em posição superolateral ao tubérculo maior e anterior ao músculo subescapular. Métodos Avaliação funcional retrospectiva de 16 casos. O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 21 meses (12-47 meses). Os resultados pós-operatórios (no último acompanhamento) foram comparados aos pré-operatórios, bem como a outras variáveis pré, intra e pós-operatórias. Resultados Todos os pacientes ficaram satisfeitos (exceto um). A pontuação média da University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) aumentou de 11,6 (8-16) para 27,3 (17-30) (p< 0,001). A dor, a função e a força do ombro apresentaram melhora estatisticamente significativa (p< 0,001). A força, porém, não voltou ao valor normal. A amplitude de movimento ativa média apresentou as seguintes melhoras: elevação frontal, de 106° (60-140°) para 145° (130-160°) (p< 0,001); rotação externa, de 30° (0-60°) para 54° (40-70°) (p< 0,001); e rotação interna, de L1 (glúteo a T7) para T10 (T12-T3) (p< 0,05). Nenhuma complicação foi observada. A pseudoparesia pré-operatória foi revertida em todos os seis casos em que foi observada. Nenhuma das variáveis analisadas influenciou os desfechos, nem mesmo a pseudoparesia. Conclusões A curto prazo essa técnica é segura e eficaz na recuperação da pseudoparesia e na melhora da dor, da função e da força do ombro.

Artroplastia total inversa de hombro e injerto óseo estructural en defectos glenoideos: resultados a corto plazo / Total reverse arthroplasty of the shoulder and structural bone graft in glenoid defects: Short-term results

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados clínicos y radiológicos de una serie de pacientes con defecto óseo glenoideo tratados mediante artroplastia total inversa de hombro asociada a injerto óseo estabilizado mediante componente glenoideo de titanio trabecular (Axioma SMR Lima®). Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de 16 pacientes consecutivos con una edad media de 68,2años. En 13 casos se trataba de artroplastias primarias y en 3, de revisión. Los datos incluidos en el estudio se obtuvieron mediante revisión de la historia clínica. El defecto glenoideo se clasificó de acuerdo con Gupta et al. La valoración clínica pre- y postoperatoria incluyó la puntuación en la escala visual analógica de dolor (EVA), el resultado de la escala Constant y el balance articular activo. Radiográficamente se valoró la integración del injerto óseo y la fijación de los componentes. Resultados: El seguimiento medio fue de 42,1meses. La puntuación media en la escala EVA mejoró de 7,5 puntos preoperatorios a 2,5 puntos en el último control (p=0,006) y en la escala de Constant de 35,8 puntos prequirúrgicos a 64,4 puntos (p=0,001). El balance articular activo pasó de 54° de abducción, 54° de antepulsión, 24° de rotación externa y rotación interna a trocánter preoperatorios a 120° abducción (p=0,001), 124° antepulsión (p=0,001), 63° rotación externa (p=0,001) y rotación interna a L5 en el último control clínico. En todos los pacientes se objetivó integración del injerto y la ausencia de aflojamiento de los componentes. La incidencia de complicaciones fue del 6,2%. Discusión: El tratamiento de defectos glenoideos mediante artroplastia inversa e injerto óseo estabilizado mediante metaglena de titanio trabecular presenta buenos resultados clínicos, radiológicos y una baja tasa de complicaciones a corto plazo.(AU)

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a series of patients with a glenoid bone defect treated by reverse total shoulder arthroplasty associated with a bone graft stabilized with a trabecular titanium glenoid component (Axioma SMR Lima®). Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of 16 consecutive patients with an average age of 68.2years. In 13 cases they were primary arthroplasties and in 3 revision ones. The data included in the study were obtained by reviewing the clinical history. The glenoid defect was classified according to Gupta et al. The pre- and postoperative clinical assessment included the score on the visual analogue pain scale (VAS), the result of the Constant score and the active joint balance. Radiographically, the integration of the bone graft and the fixation of the components were assessed. Results: The average follow-up was 42.1months. The average VAS score improved from 7.5 preoperative points to 2.5 points in the last control (P=.006) and on the Constant score from 35.8 pre-surgical points to 64.4 points (P=.001). The average joint balance went from 54° of abduction, 54° of antepulsion, 24° of external rotation and internal rotation to preoperative trochanter to 120° of abduction (P=.001), 124° of antepulsion (P=.001), 63° of external rotation (P=0.001) and internal rotation at L5 in the last clinical control. In all patients, graft integration and the absence of component loosening were observed. The incidence of complications was 6.2%. Discussion: The treatment of glenoid defects by reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and a bone graft stabilized by trabecular titanium metaglene presents good clinical and radiological results and a low rate of short-term complications.(AU)

Total reverse arthroplasty of the shoulder and structural bone graft in glenoid defects: Short-term results / Artroplastia total inversa de hombro e injerto óseo estructural en defectos glenoideos: resultados a corto plazo

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a series of patients with a glenoid bone defect treated by reverse total shoulder arthroplasty associated with a bone graft stabilized with a trabecular titanium glenoid component (Axioma SMR Lima®). Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of 16 consecutive patients with an average age of 68.2years. In 13 cases they were primary arthroplasties and in 3 revision ones. The data included in the study were obtained by reviewing the clinical history. The glenoid defect was classified according to Gupta et al. The pre- and postoperative clinical assessment included the score on the visual analogue pain scale (VAS), the result of the Constant score and the active joint balance. Radiographically, the integration of the bone graft and the fixation of the components were assessed. Results: The average follow-up was 42.1months. The average VAS score improved from 7.5 preoperative points to 2.5 points in the last control (P=.006) and on the Constant score from 35.8 pre-surgical points to 64.4 points (P=.001). The average joint balance went from 54° of abduction, 54° of antepulsion, 24° of external rotation and internal rotation to preoperative trochanter to 120° of abduction (P=.001), 124° of antepulsion (P=.001), 63° of external rotation (P=0.001) and internal rotation at L5 in the last clinical control. In all patients, graft integration and the absence of component loosening were observed. The incidence of complications was 6.2%. Discussion: The treatment of glenoid defects by reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and a bone graft stabilized by trabecular titanium metaglene presents good clinical and radiological results and a low rate of short-term complications.(AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados clínicos y radiológicos de una serie de pacientes con defecto óseo glenoideo tratados mediante artroplastia total inversa de hombro asociada a injerto óseo estabilizado mediante componente glenoideo de titanio trabecular (Axioma SMR Lima®). Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de 16 pacientes consecutivos con una edad media de 68,2años. En 13 casos se trataba de artroplastias primarias y en 3, de revisión. Los datos incluidos en el estudio se obtuvieron mediante revisión de la historia clínica. El defecto glenoideo se clasificó de acuerdo con Gupta et al. La valoración clínica pre- y postoperatoria incluyó la puntuación en la escala visual analógica de dolor (EVA), el resultado de la escala Constant y el balance articular activo. Radiográficamente se valoró la integración del injerto óseo y la fijación de los componentes. Resultados: El seguimiento medio fue de 42,1meses. La puntuación media en la escala EVA mejoró de 7,5 puntos preoperatorios a 2,5 puntos en el último control (p=0,006) y en la escala de Constant de 35,8 puntos prequirúrgicos a 64,4 puntos (p=0,001). El balance articular activo pasó de 54° de abducción, 54° de antepulsión, 24° de rotación externa y rotación interna a trocánter preoperatorios a 120° abducción (p=0,001), 124° antepulsión (p=0,001), 63° rotación externa (p=0,001) y rotación interna a L5 en el último control clínico. En todos los pacientes se objetivó integración del injerto y la ausencia de aflojamiento de los componentes. La incidencia de complicaciones fue del 6,2%. Discusión: El tratamiento de defectos glenoideos mediante artroplastia inversa e injerto óseo estabilizado mediante metaglena de titanio trabecular presenta buenos resultados clínicos, radiológicos y una baja tasa de complicaciones a corto plazo.(AU)

What Do We Know About Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration? An Updated Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is postulated to be an immune-mediated inflammatory response to a vaccine antigen injected into or near the subacromial bursae or synovium, leading to shoulder pain and dysfunction. The number of studies on this topic is rapidly increasing. Recent comparative studies have reported conflicting conclusions, which suggests that a systematic review of the best-available evidence may be helpful. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: In this systematic review, we asked: What are the (1) clinical characteristics, (2) diagnoses, and (3) management approaches and outcomes reported in association with SIRVA? METHODS: A search was performed on October 4, 2021, of the PubMed and Medline databases for studies related to SIRVA. Inclusion criteria were English-language comparative studies, case series, and case reports that involved shoulder pain occurring after vaccination. Studies of exclusively neurologic conditions after vaccination were excluded. Forty-two studies met the eligibility criteria, including three retrospective comparative studies (72 patients and 105 controls), five database case series (2273 patients), and 34 case reports (49 patients). Study quality was assessed for the database case series and retrospective comparative studies using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies tool. RESULTS: Among patients in the case reports, the median age was 51 years (range 15-90 years), and 73% (36 of 49) were women. BMI was reported for 24% of patients (12 of 49) in case reports, with a median of 23.5 kg/m2 (range 21-37.2 kg/m2). The most common symptoms were shoulder pain and reduced ROM. The most common diagnoses were shoulder bursitis, adhesive capsulitis, and rotator cuff tears. The most frequent management modalities included physical or occupational therapy, NSAIDs, and steroid injections, followed by surgery, which was generally used for patients whose symptoms persisted despite nonsurgical management. Full resolution of symptoms was reported in 2.9% to 56% of patients. CONCLUSION: The association between inflammatory conditions of the shoulder (such as bursitis) and vaccination appears to be exceedingly rare, occurring after approximately 1:130,000 vaccination events according to the best-available comparative study. Currently, there is no confirmatory experimental evidence supporting the theory of an immune-mediated inflammatory response to vaccine antigens. Although the clinical evidence is limited, similar to any bursitis, typical treatments appear effective, and surgery should rarely be performed. Additional research is needed to determine the best injection technique or evaluate alternate injection sites such as the anterolateral thigh that do not involve positioning a needle close to the shoulder.

Evaluation and Management of the Contact Athlete's Shoulder.

Shoulder injuries are common in contact athletes and vary in severity because of the required complex interplay of shoulder stability and range of motion for proper function. Pathology varies based on sport but most commonly includes shoulder instability, acromioclavicular injuries, traumatic rotator cuff tears, and brachial plexus injuries. Acute management ranges from reduction of shoulder dislocations to physical examination to determine the severity of injury. Appropriate radiographs should be obtained to evaluate for alignment and fracture, with magnetic resonance imaging commonly being necessary for accurate diagnosis and management. Treatments range from surgical stabilization in shoulder instability to repeat examinations and physical therapy. Return-to-play decision making can be complex with avoidance of reinjury and player safety being of utmost concern. Appropriate evaluation and treatment are vital because repeat injury can lead to long-term effects due to the relatively high effectsometimes seen in contact sports.

Decreased Trunk Rotation at Foot Contact in Professional Baseball Pitchers With Prior Conservatively Managed SLAP Tears: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare kinematic and kinetic parameters between a cohort of fully recovered professional pitchers with prior shoulder injury treated conservatively and a cohort with no prior shoulder injury. METHODS: Twenty-six fully recovered professional baseball pitchers with a history of shoulder injury treated conservatively pitched 8 to 10 fastball pitches using 3-dimensional motion capture (480 Hz). All shoulder injuries occurred within a 1- to 4-year time span from biomechanical evaluation and were severe enough to prevent pitchers from playing for between 1 and 12 months. These pitchers were propensity score matched by age, height, weight, handedness, and ball velocity to pitchers with no prior injury history (control) at a ratio of 1:4. We compared 21 kinematic and 11 kinetic parameters between groups using appropriate parametric testing. Subanalysis comparisons of pitchers with prior SLAP injury as well as rotator cuff tendinitis were also performed. RESULTS: SLAP tears (n = 11, 42.3%) were the most frequently reported injury, followed by rotator cuff tendinitis and/or shoulder impingement (n = 7, 26.9%). Compared with the control group, the 26 pitchers with prior injury showed no significant differences across the kinematic and kinetic factors. However, the SLAP tear subgroup did show significantly less trunk rotation at foot contact compared with controls (34.1° ± 4.9° vs 39.2° ± 10.2°, P = .0075). CONCLUSIONS: Fully recovered professional baseball pitchers with shoulder injuries treated conservatively showed no significant differences in kinetics or kinematics compared with their propensity score-matched counterparts, suggesting that shoulder injury alone may not greatly alter pitching mechanics. However, whereas prior groups have shown a decrease in trunk rotation at foot contact after surgical repair for SLAP tears, our study suggests that this kinematic change may alternatively originate with the injury itself. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the cause of biomechanical adaptations by pitchers after injury can better aid clinicians and coaching staff in providing individualized and specific care to the throwing athlete.

Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit in the Adolescent Overhead Athlete: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to investigate the average glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) in the dominant arm of adolescent overhead athletes and to examine the association with shoulder and elbow injuries. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING: MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed were searched from inception to August 1, 2020. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescent overhead athletes with glenohumeral range of motion (ROM) measurements. INTERVENTIONS: Nonoperative treatments of GIRD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Glenohumeral ROM measurements comparing the dominant and nondominant extremities were pooled in a meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies were included in this review, which involved 2522 overhead athletes. Pooled internal rotation (IR) deficit of the dominant arm was 9.60° (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.87°-11.32°, P < 0.00001), with an external rotation (ER) gain of 6.78° (95% CI 4.97°-8.59°, P < 0.00001) and a total ROM (TROM) deficit of 1.78° (95% CI -0.70° to 4.26°, P = 0.16). The association between GIRD and shoulder or elbow injury was not clearly defined. Two studies reported treatment, and both used nonoperative treatment in the form of physiotherapy and sleeper stretches. CONCLUSIONS: The adolescent overhead athlete has roughly 10° of IR deficit in their dominant arm, accompanied by nearly 7° of ER gain, with similar ROM measurements for injured and uninjured athletes. Those with pathological GIRD have a greater degree of IR deficit, but without an accompanying compensatory increase in ER, leading to a TROM deficit of nearly 15°. Surgical treatment in the absence of other indications is rare, whereas physiotherapy and sleeper stretches remain the first-line treatment.

Usage Evaluation of a Mobile App to Help Understand the Rehabilitation Process of Shoulder Surgery / Avaliação do uso de aplicativo de celular para auxílio no processo de reabilitação da cirurgia do ombro

Abstract Objective The present paper aims to evaluate the quality of a mobile phone application (app) designed to guide patients after shoulder surgical procedures. Methods A free and easily accessible app was developed to help patients at home. Patients were monitored for app use and adaptation before physical therapy started. At the end of 6 weeks, a qualitative questionnaire was employed to determine the usability of the app. Results In total, 97% of the respondents reported that the app was easy to download, the exercises were readily understood, and they would recommend the app. Ninety-three percent of the participants agreed that the app made them feel a greater degree of participation in the treatment of their illness, while 90% considered the app self-explanatory. Conclusion The virtual platform helps the patients to understand the treatment, aiding the medical prescription of postoperative exercises to be performed at home.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade de um aplicativo de celular desenvolvido para orientar pacientes em período pós-operatório de procedimentos cirúrgicos do ombro. Métodos Desenvolveu-se um aplicativo gratuito e de fácil acesso para auxiliar os pacientes em domicílio. Os indivíduos foram monitorados quanto ao uso do aplicativo e adaptação à sua prática antes do início da fisioterapia. Ao final de 6 semanas, aplicou-se um questionário qualitativo para avaliar a usabilidade do aplicativo. Resultados Um total de 97% dos respondentes afirmaram que foi fácil executar o download do aplicativo, que os exercícios sugeridos foram prontamente entendidos, e relataram que indicariam o aplicativo. Noventa e três por cento da amostra concorda que o aplicativo fez com que se sentissem mais participativos com relação ao tratamento de sua doença, enquanto 90% consideraram o aplicativo autoexplicativo. Conclusão O uso de uma plataforma virtual é uma ferramenta de compreensão sobre o tratamento e auxilia na prescrição médica de exercícios pós-operatórios domiciliares.

Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration: Case Series of an Emerging Occupational Health Concern.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is an increasingly recognized complication of improper vaccine administration. Due to the growing number of mandatory workplace vaccination programs, especially for annual influenza vaccine, it is essential that occupational health providers are aware of this condition to improve prevention and/or treatment of this condition when it arises. Therefore, we describe the clinical presentation and course of treatment of five cases of SIRVA that were seen in an employer-based Occupational Health Services Clinic (OHS) after mandatory influenza vaccine administration. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for five cases of SIRVA from 2017 to 2019. FINDINGS: Five cases met clinical definition of SIRVA as defined by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. All cases were of similar characteristics including gender, age range, and body mass index (BMI). All were treated using multiple modalities including medication, physical therapy, and modified work with eventual resolution of symptoms and full return to work. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: Awareness of SIRVA is necessary in any occupational setting where vaccines are routinely administered. Avoidance of SIRVA by adhering to proper vaccination technique is crucial, as is awareness of how to recognize and manage the condition in affected employees to limit long-term impairment.

Does Functional Bracing of the Unstable Shoulder Improve Return to Play in Scholastic Athletes? Returning the Unstable Shoulder to Play.

BACKGROUND: Functional bracing is often used as an adjunct to nonoperative treatment of anterior shoulder instability, but no study has evaluated the effectiveness of in-season bracing. The purpose of this study was to examine successful return to play in a nonoperative cohort of adolescent athletes with in-season shoulder instability and compare those athletes treated with bracing to those who were not. HYPOTHESIS: The use of functional bracing will improve success rates in a cohort of athletes treated nonoperatively for in-season shoulder instability. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: A total of 97 athletes with anterior shoulder instability were followed for a minimum of 1 year. The mean age was 15.8 ± 1.4 years (range, 12.0-18.0 years). All athletes were treated with initial nonoperative management. Twenty athletes (21%) were also treated with bracing while 77 (79%) were not. The athlete completing the current season and 1 subsequent season without surgery or time lost from shoulder injury was defined as a successful outcome. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in nonoperative success rates between the braced and nonbraced athletes (P = 0.33). Braced athletes (n = 20) returned to play 80% of the time, while nonbraced athletes (n = 77) returned at a rate of 88%. Of the braced athletes, 85% were football players (n = 17). A football-only comparison demonstrated no difference between braced failures (26%) and nonbraced failures (16%) (P = 0.47). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate the utility of functional bracing in returning an athlete to sport and completing a full subsequent season without surgery or time loss due to injury of the shoulder. In adolescent athletes with shoulder instability treated nonoperatively, functional bracing did not result in increased success rates when compared with no bracing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The data from this study indicate that functional bracing may not improve success rates for athletes with shoulder instability.

Shoulder functional status in rugby union players with and without history of shoulder problems.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of (1) rugby union practice, (2) history of injury managed nonoperatively, and (3) history of injury managed operatively on shoulder functional status in male rugby union players. DESIGN: Cross sectional study. SETTING: Clinical. PARTICIPANTS: 86 male athletes were assigned into four groups: multisport athletes, rugby union players without shoulder problems, with history of shoulder injury managed nonoperatively and with history of shoulder injury managed operatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: SI-RSI questionnaire, maximal isometric glenohumeral internal and external rotator strength, unilateral seated shot put test, upper quarter Y balance test. RESULTS: Healthy players presented higher internal (p = 0.03) and external (p = 0.04) rotator strength than multisport athletes. History of shoulder injury managed nonoperatively did not impair physical abilities but limited player's psychological readiness (p < 0.001). After 4.5-months, shoulder stabilization surgery impaired maximal muscle strength and upper quarter body stability and mobility (p < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The shoulder functional status in rugby union player presented increased glenohumeral rotator strength when compared to non-collision sport athletes. In rugby union players, psychological concerns remained in the long-term after a shoulder injury managed nonoperatively, and psychological and physical readiness seemed not be reached at 4.5 months postoperatively to respond to rugby union practice demand.

Normative Rugby Data of the SARTS Tests: Comparison of Elite and School Players.

This study aimed to examine the normative data for the SARTS rugby tests in elite and schoolboy rugby players. A second aim was to examine differences between level of sport and position of play in the SARTS rugby tests. Elite (N = 57) and Schoolboy (N = 63) rugby players performed the SARTS tests relevant to rugby players each for 1 min, with 1-2 min rest between each test. A 2×2 factorial ANOVA was used to assess for the main effect of player position and player level of play. Results showed that elite players performed more Ball Abduction External Rotation (BABER) (dominant and non-dominant), Side Hold Rotations (dominant and non-dominant), Ball Taps (dominant and non-dominant), and Overhead Snatch than schoolboy players. Heavier players performed fewer Push-up Claps. Injured rugby players should perform at least the mean value of the repetitions of the SARTS tests before returning to contact training after an injury.

Common Upper-Extremity Injuries.

Primary care and sports medicine physicians will undoubtedly encounter upper-extremity injuries on a regular basis in their practice. Athletes have injuries most commonly to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand as a result of a fall onto an outstretched arm. This article aims to educate physicians about sports-related upper-extremity injuries. Common mechanisms of injury, classic physical examination, and radiographic findings are reviewed. General guidelines for treatment as well as indications for referral to a sports medicine or orthopedic specialist are included in the discussion.