Sorting swimmers shoulders: An observational study on swimmers that presented to a shoulder surgeon

CONTEXT: 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. AIMS: To investigate the diagnosis, subsequent management, and the return to swimming outcomes for swimmers presenting to an orthopedic practice. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of competitive swimmers presenting to an orthopedic practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diagnosis, subsequent management, and the return to swimming outcomes were analyzed for 14 swimmers whose injuries were managed by a shoulder surgeon. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.