Clavicle Fracture
Definition: A break in the clavicle bone. MOI: A direct blow to the shoulder during a fall (FOOSH mechanism) Treatment: A splint is applied to immobilize the arm. Possible surgery may be required to correct the fracture. Diagnostic Tools: X-ray and CT scan can be used. Effects on Athletic Performance: Patient will be removed from participation until healed and then cleared by a physician. |
SC Separation
Definition: Damage to the SC joint. MOI: Blunt trauma and the FOOSH mechanism are most common Treatment: Physician referral & evaluation, x-ray, rest Diagnostic Tools: X-ray, visual examination Effects on Athletic Performance: Once pain has subsided and the athlete has been cleared by a physician they are able to RTP. |
AC Separation/ Instability
Definition: When the ligaments of the AC joint are torn or injured. MOI: FOOSH mechanism and blunt trauma Treatment: X-ray, rest, immobilization with sling, possible surgery to correct injury, and tape jobs can be used once athlete RTP. Effect on Athletic Performance: Athlete will be removed from play, but can return once they have regained ROM, their pain has subsided, and they are cleared by a physician. |
Shoulder Dislocation (GH dislocation/ subluxation)
Definition: A Glenohumeral dislocation/ subluxation is defined as when the humeral head is forced out of the Glenohumeral joint. The dislocation can occur anteriorly, posteriorly, and inferiorly depending upon the direction that the force is applied. MOI: FOOSH mechanism or blunt force to the shoulder Treatment: The dislocation must be reduced by a physician and then an x-ray will be taken to check for fractures, tears, or other complications. Effect on Athletic Performance: Athlete will need to be removed from participation. Once dislocation has been reduced and there are no other complications, the athlete will need to rest until pain has subsided. Once ROM and strength have been achieved with no pain, the athlete will need to be cleared by a physician and then can RTP with the use of a SULLY shoulder brace. |
Impingement Syndrome
Definition: The impingement of tendons or bursa in the shoulder from the bones of the shoulder, sub-acromial bursa, supraspinatus, and long headof the bicep tendon. MOI: Repeated overhead activity, blunt trauma, poor motion of the scapula Treatment: Rest (avoid overhead use), ice, daily stretching, physical therapy Effects on Athletic Performance: Athlete should be limited to the activities that do not reproduce any pain. They are allowed to play as long as their pain is subsided, and they have full ROM. Once RTP, the athlete needs to continue with stretching in order to reduce the chance of the symptoms reoccurring. |
Subacromial Bursitis
Definition: Inflammation of the subacromial bursa MOI: A heavy fall on the shoulder or overuse of the shoulder with overhead movements. Treatment: Rest, ice, strengthening exercises Effects on Athletic Performance: Athlete can continue to participate but performance may be limited by pain. |
Biceps Tendinitis
Definition: Inflammation of the proximal portion of the biceps tendon at the attachment point in the shoulder. MOI: Degeneration & repetitive overhead activites Treatment: RICE, steroid injections, physical therapy Effect on Athletic Performance: The athlete will be able to RTP once full ROM without pain is achieved. If athlete does continue to participate, their performance may be limited due to pain. |
Bicipital Subluxation
Definition: A subluxing biceps tendon MOI: Damage to the transverse ligament, which holds the bicep tendon in place. Treatment: If the subluxation of the tendon creates tendonitis, the transverse ligament may be repaired. If the tendon subluxes rarely and without pain it can go untreated. Effect on Athletic Performance: Athlete may be able to remain in full participation throughout the injury depending on the severity of the injury. Physical therapy may be required to help strengthen the shoulder complex and reduce pain. |
Rotator Cuff Strain
Definition: A strain to any of the four rotator cuff muscle tendons in the shoulder MOI: Overuse of the rotator cuff muscles. Treatment: Rest, immbolization, active physical therapy Effect on Athletic Performance: Athlete will be removed from participation until full ROM and strength is regained. Some athletes may need to have surgery to repair any tears in the muscle tendons, in which case they will undergo surgery, rehab, and need to be cleared before RTP. |
Humural Neck Fracture
Definition: A fracture to the distal humerus MOI: FOOSH mechanism Treatment: Surgery and immobilization until the bone is healed, and then rehabilitation for strengthening and stretching exercises until full ROM and strength are achieved without pain. Effect on Athletic Performance: Athlete will be removed from participation until the injury is healed, and they have been cleared by a physician. |
SLAP Lesion
Definition: A tear to the glenoid labrum MOI: Repetitive overhead motions, FOOSH mechanism, blunt trauma, dislocation Treatment: Surgery and physical therapy Effect on Athletic Performance: The athlete will be pulled from participation until recovered from surgery and gone through rehab. Some athletes will never get back to 100% after this injury though. Some athletes are cleared to play without needing surgery, as long as they can participate without having pain or weakness. |
Bankhart Lesion
Definition: Damage to the labrum and the inferior glenohumeral ligament as the shoulder dislocates. MOI: FOOSH mechanism or blunt force trauma Treatment: rest, ice, immobilization, possible surgery Effect on Athletic Performance: Athlete is unable to participate until a physician clears them after the injury is completely repaired or under control. |
Hill-Sach Lesion
Definition: Damage to the posterior humeral head as it dislocates anteriorly. MOI: Anterior shoulder dislocation caused by blunt trauma or force. Treatment: Depending on the size of the indent, it can go untreated at times or it can be filled in with bone during surgery. Effect on Athletic Performance: Athlete will be unable to play with this injury unless it is small enough to not be treated. |
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Definition: A pinching motion of either the blood vessels or nerve that run between the clavicle and first rib due to inflammation, not enough room anatomically, or other complications. MOI: Blunt force trauma, a cervical rib, tight scalenes, cardiac issues, pregnancy, anatomical dysfunction Treatment: Correction of the underlying problem or removal from activities until the problem is corrected. Stretching and strengthening exercises can also be done to improve symptoms. Effect on Athletic Performance: An athlete’s performance depends on the severity of the case and a physician’s opinion of the specific case. |
Scapular Winging
Definition: A condition when the scapula does not sit flat to the back, especially throughout extension. MOI: An injury to the long thoracic nerve, weakness of the scapular stabilizing muscles, and shoulder instability. Treatment: Strengthening of the surrounding muscles, proprioception training Effect on Athletic Performance: An athlete can usually participate with this condition, but physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder complex would be a good idea. Scapular winging may affect an athlete’s performance depending on the severity of the case and the athlete’s sport. |
Sprengels Deformity
Definition: A deformity when one shoulder blade sits higher than the other. MOI: It is caused by an abnormal growth at birth. Treatment: Surgery can be performed to correct the deformity sometimes; otherwise physical therapy can sometimes help with strengthening surrounding muscle groups to help even out the scapula. Effect on Athletic Performance: This deformity can cause pain, but most people with this deformity can participate in their sport. It all depends upon the severity of the individual’s deformity. |
Frozen Shoulder
Definition: Loss of ROM and movement in the shoulder because of inflammation in the shoulder capsule. MOI: Blunt force trauma, post-operative complications, thyroid problems Treatment: Physical therapy or surgery if noninvasive technique does not work. Effect on Athletic Performance: Athlete will be unable to participate in sport until the problem is resolved due to lack of ROM. Once full ROM and strength have returned, the athlete will be able to be cleared for RTP. |
Step Deformity
Definition: An AC separation when the clavicle rises above the acromial process and forms a step looking appearance. MOI: FOOSH mechanism, blunt trauma Treatment: Possible surgery, rest, immobilization with a sling, tape jobs once healed Effect on Athletic Performance: Athlete will be removed until the deformity is healed. Once the athlete has regained full ROM and strength pain free they will need to be cleared by a physician. Once cleared tape jobs can be applied to help prevent the injury from reoccurring. |
Epiphyseal Fracture
Definition: A fracture that involves the epiphyseal plate. MOI: FOOSH mechanism or blunt trauma Treatment: Surgery is performed to pin the humerus together in order to fix the fracture. Effect on Athletic Performance: Once the fracture is healed the athlete should be able to be cleared by a physician to RTP. |