Shoulder Range of Motion Deficits in Youth Throwers Presenting With Elbow Pain

Abstract

Background:

Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) and total arc of motion difference (TAMD) have been associated with elbow injuries in throwing athletes.

Hypothesis:

Youth pitchers with elbow pain will have greater GIRD and TAMD compared with youth pitchers without elbow pain.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Glenohumeral range of motion of 25 consecutive throwing athletes presenting with elbow pain and that of a matched control group of 18 asymptomatic throwing athletes were compared. Bilateral glenohumeral internal rotation, external rotation, and horizontal adduction at 90° were measured and GIRD and TAMD were then calculated. An analysis of variance was performed to compare range of motion between throwers with and without elbow pain.

Results:

The average GIRD of the elbow pain group was 32.7° compared with 14.5° in the control group (P < 0.05). The average TAMD in the elbow pain group was 28.3° compared with 6.7° in the control group (P < 0.05). GIRD and TAMD were present in 88% (22 of 25) and 96% (24 of 25) of the elbow pain group versus 33.3% (6 of 18) and 55.6% (10 of 18) of the control group, respectively.

Conclusion:

Compared with asymptomatic youth pitchers, those presenting with elbow pain have a statistically significant GIRD and TAMD.

Clinical Relevance:

This study suggests that a GIRD and TAMD may predispose youth pitchers to present with symptomatic elbow pain.

Keywords

glenohumeral joint baseball players elbow pain adolescents

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