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Review
. 2019 Mar;12(1):13-23.
doi: 10.1007/s12178-019-09530-0.

Shoulder and Elbow Fractures in Athletes

M Burnier  1 , J D Barlow  1 , J Sanchez-Sotelo  2
Affiliations
Review

Shoulder and Elbow Fractures in Athletes

M Burnier et al. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2019 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purposes of this review are to discuss the management of shoulder and elbow fractures in athletes to optimize the return to sport and to highlight treatment impact on the return to play.

Recent findings: Fractures of the shoulder and elbow can have profound implications in an athlete career. Recent technique of fractures management trended toward to preserve soft tissue which is critical for an early recovery in athletic population. Arthroscopy presents a strong interest for the treatment of intra-articular fracture, and minimally invasive approach as developed in humeral shaft fracture can be considered to avoid soft tissue damage. Non-articular, stable, and minimally displaced fractures are mainly treated conservatively. However, we encourage a more aggressive approach in shoulder and elbow injuries in the athletes including minimally invasive and stable fixation to preserve vascularity and muscle environment.

Keywords: Athlete fracture; Clavicle fracture; Glenoid fracture; Mid-shaft humeral fracture; Scapula fracture.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

Marion Burnier and Jon D. Barlow declare no conflict of interest.

Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo is a consultant for Stryker.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced mid-shaft clavicle fracture using an anteroinferior plate
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Arthroscopically assisted internal fixation of a displaced fracture of the anterior glenoid rim
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Internal fixation of a fractured radial head with elbow instability
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Plate fixation and radial head arthroplasty of a complex olecranon fracture associated with radial head fracture
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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