Clinical and ultrasonographic correlation between scapular dyskinesia and subacromial space measurement among junior elite tennis players. Issue 6 (8th April 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Silva, R T; Hartmann, L G; Laurino, C F de Souza; Biló, J P Rocha
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 44:Issue 6(2010)
• Page Start: 407
• Page End: 410
• Publication Date: 2008-04-08
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2008.046284
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: In this study, the hypothesis that tennis players with scapular dyskinesia present a smaller subacromial space than non-athletes was investigated. Additionally, the correlation between the size of the subacromial space and abnormalities in scapular movement during arm abduction was studied. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: A total of 53 elite tennis players and 20 control participants were enrolled in the study. Participation was restricted to elite-level, junior tennis players who had no current shoulder pain or history of shoulder injuries. Intervention: Each individual was examined for scapular dyskinesia by a single physician and by ultrasound, with the results analysed in a blind fashion by a single radiologist. Results: 43.4% of the tennis players and 20% of control participants presented with scapular dyskinesia. Of the 106 shoulders evaluated, 39.6% of tennis players and 10% of control participants presented with scapular dyskinesia in the clinical examination (p = 0.005). Ultrasonographic measurements demonstrated that tennis players presented statistically smaller subacromial spaces compared with control participants (p<0.001). A decrease in the subacromial space was observed in tennis players when the shoulder was raised from 0° to 60° of abduction; however, dyskinesia-afflicted athletes demonstrated a significantly greater decrease following this movement (19.3 vs 13.8 mm, p = 0.002). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that tennis players with scapular dyskinesia present a smaller subacromial space than control participants. Furthermore, when the shoulder was analysed dynamically, moving from neutral abduction to 60° of elevation, the tennis players with scapular dyskinesia presented a greater reduction in the subacromial space compared with unaffected athletes.