| The pathomechanics of shoulder pain among throwing athletes has been a source of controversy and debate among clinicians since its initial diagnosis. Recent studies have reported findings of posterior internal impingement among throwing athletes who present with pain while in abduction and extreme external rotation as experienced during the late cocking phase of the throwing motion. This pathology has been termed posterior internal impingement, however due to the relatively recent diagnosis of this pathology little research has investigated the effects of posterior internal impingement on the functional shoulder characteristics of throwing athletes.;Eleven throwing athletes diagnosed with posterior internal impingement and eleven matched healthy throwing athletes participated in this study. Each subject underwent goniometric assessment of shoulder rotational range of motion and posterior capsule tightness, isokinetic shoulder strength testing, and a scapular kinematics and active proprioception assessment using a 3-D motion analysis device.;Statistical analyses revealed the posterior internal impingement group to have significantly decreased internal shoulder rotation and increased posterior capsule tightness, as well as increased scapular protraction and posterior tilt as compared to the healthy subjects.;Based on the results of this study, throwing athletes diagnosed with posterior internal impingement present with significant functional shoulder alterations. Furthermore, identification of these alterations should be implemented into the prevention, evaluation, and care of such of such individuals thereby decreasing the risk of serious pathology. |
