Effect of posterior shoulder tightness on internal impingement in a cadaveric model of throwing

Abstract

Posterior shoulder tightness is common in throwing athletes, especially those with symptomatic shoulder internal impingement. The role of posteroinferior capsular contracture in the pathoetiologies of throwing-related injuries caused by shoulder internal impingement remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess effect of posterior shoulder tightness on internal impingement in a cadaveric model of throwing. Seven fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested with the shoulder abducted to 90° and at maximum external rotation to simulate the late cocking phase of throwing motion. Glenohumeral joint contact pressure and area through internal impingement, humeral head shift, and the maximum humeral rotation angle were measured. Posteroinferior capsular plication was performed to simulate posteroinferior capsular tightness and induce glenohumeral internal rotation deficit. Following generation of simulated posteroinferior capsular tightness with resultant glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, glenohumeral contact pressure was significantly increased (P < 0.05), the impinged area of rotator cuff tendon was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the humeral head shifted posteriorly (P < 0.05) during shoulder internal impingement. Excessive posteroinferior capsular tightness can cause forceful internal impingement of the shoulder at maximum external rotation position.