Pathologies of the shoulder and elbow affecting the overhead throwing athlete

Skeletal Radiol. 2017 Jul;46(7):873-888. doi: 10.1007/s00256-017-2627-4. Epub 2017 Mar 16.

Abstract

The overhead-throwing athlete is susceptible to a variety of predictable disease entities affecting the shoulder and elbow. While the pathophysiology and nomenclature of these diseases are ubiquitous throughout the clinical literature, this information is sparse within the radiology domain. We provide a comprehensive review of these unique injuries with accompanying imaging features in an effort to enhance the role of the radiologist during the management of the overhead thrower. When appropriately recognized and described, the imaging features aid in establishing a diagnosis and ultimately the implementation of appropriate clinical management.

Keywords: Athlete; Baseball pitcher; Elbow; Overhead; Shoulder; Thrower; Throwing.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Baseball / injuries
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Elbow Injuries*
  • Elbow Joint / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Shoulder Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Shoulder Joint / diagnostic imaging*