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Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine
Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 6/2020

01-12-2020 | Femuroacetabular Impingement | Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation: Getting Athletes Back to Play (R Gallo, Section Editor)

Scapular Dyskinesis and the Kinetic Chain: Recognizing Dysfunction and Treating Injury in the Tennis Athlete

Authors: Sundeep S. Saini, Sarav S. Shah, Alan S. Curtis

Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine | Issue 6/2020

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of scapular dyskinesis and its impact on the kinetic chain in tennis athletes.

Recent Findings

Optimal glenohumeral biomechanics are intimately associated with proper scapular motion and function. The tennis serve requires the scapula to act as a force transducer in the kinetic chain to convert potential energy generated in the lower extremities to kinetic energy in the upper extremity. Any aberration within this complex kinetic chain will result in force uncoupling and increases the potential for injury through compensatory mechanisms. Specifically, scapular dyskinesis has been associated with an increased risk of shoulder pain of up to 43% in overhead athletes. These pathologies include rotator cuff disease, subacromial and posterior impingement, labral injuries, and SLAP tears. Although the direct causality of these injuries remains controversial, multiple kinematic studies have demonstrated altered scapular positioning increasing the predilection for soft tissue pathology.

Summary

The diagnosis of scapular dyskinesis is predicated upon a thorough history, physical examination, and observational analysis of key nodes in the kinetic chain during tennis activity. Conservative management remains the mainstay of treatment and consists of a graduated physical therapy regimen. Although shoulder pain in the overhead athletes is often multifactorial, early recognition and treatment of scapular dyskinesis generally carry a favorable prognosis and result in improved patient outcomes.
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Metadata
Title
Scapular Dyskinesis and the Kinetic Chain: Recognizing Dysfunction and Treating Injury in the Tennis Athlete
Authors
Sundeep S. Saini
Sarav S. Shah
Alan S. Curtis
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine / Issue 6/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1935-9748
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-020-09672-6

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