Imaging of the Overhead Throwing Athlete

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of overhead throwing biomechanics is crucial to understand specific injuries encountered in throwing athletes on diagnostic imaging. Most specific injuries of overhead throwing athletes occur at the shoulder and elbow. Throwing athletes are susceptible to rotator cuff tears from tensile overload and external and internal impingement. The labrum is also commonly degenerated or torn secondary to overuse syndrome, internal impingement, and microtrauma. The elbow is typically injured secondary to excessive valgus forces during throwing. The ulnar collateral ligament, ulnar nerve, and common flexor tendon origin are all at increased risk of injury. Capitellar osteochondral injuries and loose intra-articular bodies are also frequent. Knowledge of injury pathophysiology is crucial to understanding the treatment rationale in throwing athletes.

KEYWORDS

Throwing - biomechanics - imaging - shoulder - elbow - magnetic resonance

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