EVALUATION OF THE ARTHROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF SHOULDER INJURIES FOR WEIGHTLIFTERS. OF THE HELLENIC NATIONAL WEIGHTLIFTING FEDERATION 2000–2009

Abstract

The expansion of arthroscopic treatment to serious and catastrophic injuries to the weightlifters of the Hellenic National Weightlifting Team. The evaluation of the results of this specific arthroscopic treatment.

45 athletes (36 male, 9 female) with shoulder injuries 2000–2009. 15 yrs – 35 yrs, average: 27 yrs. One 3-times Golden Olympic. One Bronze medalist, Two Silver Olympic, Three Olympic winners, Five World championsetc. Clinical examination and musculoskeletal ultrasound. Plain X-rays. E.M.G, M.R.I.-arthrography, 3DC/T when that was required. Strength measurement with Nottingham McMecin Myometer for ipsi-contro lateral shoulder. Full ROM was necessary for the operated shoulder before starting exercise for a competition.

All 48 underwent arthroscopic treatment (3 mini-open). Arthroscopic stabilization using absorbable or non anchors. 45 athletes, 48 shoulders operated,(3 bilat-erally).36 RC tears, 6 bony-bankart, 2 posterior and 28 anterior labrum detachment, 3 avulsion osteochondral fractures, 2 AMBRII, 4 deranged LH of biceps, 4 underwent SSN release.

All patient returned at same sport level except one with AMBRII and cervical spine pathology. Rehabilitation time for basic weightlifting exercise was 3.5 months and for competition level was 4,5 -6 months.

The shoulder demands during the snatch, clean and jerk of the weightlifters provoke often shoulder injuries. The arthroscopic surgery gives thorough and broad knowledge of their shoulder injuries. The minimal detachment, less postoperative joint stiffness and decreased shoulder pain are encouraging factors for the arthroscopic treatment. Additionally, the returning time for training and competition combining with a proper rehabilitation seems to be less than open surgery.