MRI FINDINGS IN THE SHOULDER OF COMPLETELY ASYMPTOMATIC ADOLESCENT ELITE TENNIS PLAYERS. Issue 7 (11th March 2014) - Johansson, F
Abstract : Background: Shoulder pathology in adult tennis players including rotator cuff pathology is well known. However, early adaptations have not previously been studied in the adolescent elite tennis players. Objectives: To describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the shoulder in asymptomatic elite adolescent tennis players. Design: A MRI scan using a 3 Tesla scanner of both shoulders were performed. PD (proton density) weighted images with fat-saturation in oblique coronal, oblique sagittal and axial planes together with oblique sagittal T2 images were reviewed especially for the presence of abnormalities regarding labral lesions and rotator-cuff lesions by two radiologists in consensus. The MRI scans were evaluated by to independent experienced radiologists in a blinded manner according to a pre-defined protocol. Data were collected retrospectively for the dominant arm and contralateral arm respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Setting: Testing environment at Medical Rontgen, Sweden. Participants: 35 adolescent elite tennis players from the Swedish national team were selected (ages 13–24 years median age 17). 15 boys and 20 girls participated in the study. Intervention: Findings were described according to a predefined protocol. Main outcome measurements: MRI findings of the dominant and non-dominant shoulder. Results: 19 players (54%) had a normal MRI examination and 16 players (46%) had abnormal findings of which 14 players showed affected tendons/tendinosis. The predominant findings were made in infraspinatus (n=10), Supraspinatus (n=5) and Subscapularis (n=1). Two players had findings in both infra- and supraspinatus. Conclusions: This is the first study describing MRI findings in adolescent elite tennis players, revealing infraspinatus and supraspinatus affected tendons/tendinosis in this asymptomatic overhead athletic population. The results can serve as the baseline for a future prospective longitudinal cohort study.