Sorting swimmers shoulders: An observational study on swimmers that presented to a shoulder surgeon.
BACKGROUND
It is common for swimmers to suffer shoulder injuries resulting in a wealth of research focusing on the causes and types of injury. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding current management for shoulder injuries in swimmers.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the diagnosis, subsequent management, and the return to swimming outcomes for swimmers presenting to an orthopedic practice.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study of competitive swimmers presenting to an orthopedic practice.


METHODS
The diagnosis, subsequent management, and the return to swimming outcomes were analyzed for 14 swimmers whose injuries were managed by a shoulder surgeon.


METHODS
Descriptive analysis.


RESULTS
No significant association was identified between swimming stroke and type of injury. The majority of swimmers had good scapula rhythm, with no visible dyskinesis, including those with impingement. Swimmers with impingement did not require arthroscopy, and with nonoperative management had a mean time to return to swimming of 1.6 months. All labral tears required arthroscopic labral repair, with these swimmers having a mean time of 2.9 months postsurgery to return to swimming.


CONCLUSIONS
The study demonstrated that an accurate diagnosis, and appropriate choice of nonoperative and surgical treatments lead to reassuring outcomes for swimmers suffering from shoulder injuries.
The University of Manchester, School of Medicine, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom.
Daniel
D
Butler
Bridgewater Hospital, Manchester Arm Clinic, 120 Princess Road, Manchester, MA15 5AT, United Kingdom.
Len
L
Funk
University of Salford, College of Health and Social Care, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WT, United Kingdom.
Tanya Anne
TA
Mackenzie
University of Salford, College of Health and Social Care, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WT, United Kingdom.
Lee C
LC
Herrington
Impingement; labral; return to swimming; shoulder; swimming