Impingement in the Athlete

There is no doubt that the understanding of shoulder mechanics and pathology will continue to evolve. It is not appropriate to consider that all patients, especially young athletes, who have shoulder pain have "impingement." Rather, a careful evaluation will result in the correct diagnosis and the institution of the appropriate treatment. A step-by-step assessment and management scheme is necessary for each health care professional dealing with athletes. If surgery is deemed necessary, the correction of the anatomic abnormality with minimal disruption of normal anatomy will be the key to allowing the athlete to return to his or her chosen sport.