Shoulder Injuries in Athletes

Abstract

Introduction: Injuries at the shoulder level are frequent in athletes, particularly those who perform collision sports or sports gestures with elevation of the limb above the head. Acute injuries have special considerations in athletes, because treatments must consider the type of sport, as well as the expectations of the patients, to offer them early and safe return to the sports activity.

Objectives: To review the available literature on shoulder injuries, other pathologies of traumatic origin, with emphasis on their pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: A narrative review is carried out on frequent injuries at the shoulder level (SLAP injuries, clavicle fractures, glenohumeral and acromioclavicular dislocation, and rotator cuff ruptures) and their considerations and outcomes in athletes.

Analysis and synthesis of the information: The epidemiology, clinical presentation, medical treatment, surgical treatment and rehabilitation protocols of the main injuries that occur in the shoulder of athletes are offered.

Conclusions: When considering the therapeutic behaviors of shoulder injuries in athletes, it is important to identify the type of injury, the individual characteristics of the athlete, the type of sport in terms of risk of collisions or direct trauma, the sports gestures involved, as well as the athlete's expectations regarding their goals and the time of the competition season when the injury occurs. There are recent advances in diagnoses and therapeutic options in search of better functional results and a timely return to sports activity.