Christopher G Mazoué1, James R Andrews. 1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, 29203, USA. cmazoue@gw.mp.sc.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite the relative frequency of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears seen in baseball players, full-thickness rotator cuff tears in baseball players are uncommon. HYPOTHESIS: Return to competitive baseball is difficult after surgical treatment of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: We evaluated the results of 16 professional baseball players after a mini-open repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. Twelve patients were pitchers with injury to their dominant shoulders. Four patients were position players; 2 had injuries involving their dominant shoulders, and 2 had injuries to their nondominant shoulders. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 66.6 months for the pitchers, only 1 player (8%) was able to return to a high competitive level of baseball with no significant shoulder dysfunction after mini-open repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. Of the 2 position players with mini-open repairs of the full-thickness rotator cuff tear of their dominant shoulders, 1 was able to return to professional baseball. Of the 2 position players with mini-open repairs of the full-thickness rotator cuff tear of their nondominant shoulders, both were able to return to professional baseball at the same or higher level. CONCLUSION: It is very difficult for a professional baseball pitcher to return to a competitive level of pitching after a full-thickness rotator cuff repair with a mini-open approach.
BACKGROUND: Despite the relative frequency of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears seen in baseball players, full-thickness rotator cuff tears in baseball players are uncommon. HYPOTHESIS: Return to competitive baseball is difficult after surgical treatment of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: We evaluated the results of 16 professional baseball players after a mini-open repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. Twelve patients were pitchers with injury to their dominant shoulders. Four patients were position players; 2 had injuries involving their dominant shoulders, and 2 had injuries to their nondominant shoulders. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 66.6 months for the pitchers, only 1 player (8%) was able to return to a high competitive level of baseball with no significant shoulder dysfunction after mini-open repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. Of the 2 position players with mini-open repairs of the full-thickness rotator cuff tear of their dominant shoulders, 1 was able to return to professional baseball. Of the 2 position players with mini-open repairs of the full-thickness rotator cuff tear of their nondominant shoulders, both were able to return to professional baseball at the same or higher level. CONCLUSION: It is very difficult for a professional baseball pitcher to return to a competitive level of pitching after a full-thickness rotator cuff repair with a mini-open approach.
Authors: Joseph N Liu; Grant H Garcia; Anirudh K Gowd; Brandon C Cabarcas; Michael D Charles; Anthony A Romeo; Nikhil N Verma Journal: Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med Date: 2018-03
Authors: Zakary M Beach; Jennica J Tucker; Stephen J Thomas; Katherine E Reuther; Chancellor F Gray; Chang-Soo Lee; David L Glaser; Louis J Soslowsky Journal: J Biomech Date: 2017-08-26 Impact factor: 2.712