RETurn to play after shoulder subluxation in nba players introduction Sports physicians and fans are likely aware of recent news with an injury to an NBA star athlete Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
RETurn to play after shoulder subluxation in nba players introduction Sports physicians and fans are likely aware of recent news with an injury to an NBA star athlete Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors. The injury occurred on December 14, 2022 when he was playing defense and had his arm forcefully abducted. There was immediate pain and he exited the game.
Initial reports were unclear on what exactly happened and reports and prognosis were dependent on an MRI. Recent news came that he suffered a “shoulder subluxation” and would be out a few weeks. The goal of the post is to evaluate recent evidence and return to play with athletes suffering a similar injury.
Many providers and studies refer to this as “shoulder instability” or “glenohumeral instability.” This is a more general term that encompasses both subluxation and dislocation events. This can be very problematic for competitive basketball players due to the demanding overhead activity. Instability can result in apprehension with major basketball activities such as shooting and rebounding and can significantly affect performance.
It has been reported that injuries are twice as likely to occur in the National Basketball Association (NBA) than in collegiate basketball. Among NBA players, injuries of the upper extremity account for roughly 15% of total injuries, and injuries to the glenohumeral joint account for 3% to 4% of all observed injuries. For return to play decisions, there are likely many factors that influence the decision.
The two options are nonoperative and operative management. Depending on the level of athlete, the level of imaging will likely depend on the injury. Many times plain radiographs are ordered and an MRI with contrast may be performed to thoroughly evaluate the labrum.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to return to sport after shoulder subluxation in nba players, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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