title: Shoulder symptoms in healthy athletes: a comparison of outcome scoring systems.
abstract: We used the Rowe, ASES, UCLA, Constant-Murley, and the Simple Shoulder Test scoring systems to determine the presence and severity of shoulder symptoms in "healthy" collegiate athletes at mid-season. Intercollegiate athletes were surveyed with a single, specific, comprehensive questionnaire regarding both of their shoulders at the mid-season of their respective sport. The questionnaire compiled the previously mentioned scoring systems and additional inquiries. Shoulders were divided into three groups for analysis: dominant-never injured, nondominant-never injured, and history of injury. Significant shoulder symptoms exist in athletes during full participation in their respective sport. Pain was the most frequent symptom, with 47% of all shoulder having some degree of pain. The frequency and degree of symptoms was significantly greater in shoulders with a history of injury. The UCLA scoring system is the most sensitive for evaluating "healthy" athletes at mid-season. However, the ideal shoulder scoring system for athletes has yet to be developed. To expect a "normal" or "symptom-free" shoulder after injury or surgery may be inappropriate. This information can serve as a reference for clinicians when evaluating the results of surgery and other treatment programs.
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Surgery Service, Brook Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, USA.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Soldatis
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Moseley
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Etminan
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000145:classification*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013178:Sports Medicine / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires