The aim of this study was to determine long term changes in shoulder and elbow joints
of former elite javelin throwers. Twenty-one elite javelin throwers were examined
at an average of 19 years after the end of their high performance phase. Mean age
at examination was 50 years. Functional assessment of both shoulders was determined
by the Constant-score. The shoulder of the throwing arm was examined by magnetic resonance
imaging. Both elbow joints were examined clinically and radiographically. Five athletes
complained about transient shoulder pain in their throwing arm affecting activities
of daily living, fourteen athletes had a deficit of internal rotation of at least
ten degrees. Constant-scores of throwing arms were six points lower than those of
non-throwing arms (P < 0.05). Complete ruptures and partial tears of the rotator cuff
were frequent. Three athletes complained about transient elbow pain in their throwing
arm affecting activities of daily living; ten athletes had a deficit of extension
of more than five degrees. All dominant elbows had advanced arthrotic alterations
(osteophytes, sclerosis) compared to the non-dominant side. Athletes who trained with
weights of more than 3 kg had a significantly higher risk of degenerative changes
than athletes who did not (P < 0.01). We therefore recommend to avoid throwing training
with weights of more than 3kg.
Osteoarthritis, shoulder, elbow, sports.
