Shoulder Internal Derangement and Osteoarthritis in a 25-Year-Old Female Softball Athlete

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this report is to describe osteoarthritis and internal derangement of the shoulder in a collegiate softball player. Clinical FeaturesA 25-year-old female softball athlete presented with a history of chronic right shoulder pain. A thorough clinical examination and multiple imaging studies were performed. Osteoarthritis was demonstrated on radiographs, and ligamentous and rotator cuff tendon tears were displayed on magnetic resonance imaging. The patient’s treatment plan included full spine manipulation, cold laser therapy, kinesiotaping, stretching, and neuromuscular reeducation of the right shoulder. Interventions and OutcomesThe patient reported a decrease in symptoms after 1 month, although treatment was sporadic because of poor patient compliance. ConclusionOsteoarthritis and internal derangement may occur in overhead-throwing athletes, and correct imaging is needed for timely and accurate diagnoses. Following a timely diagnosis, the young patient in this case had a good recovery with multimodal chiropractic care.