Impact of 30 years’ high-level rock climbing on the shoulder: an magnetic resonance imaging study of 31 climbers

BackgroundRock climbers are particularly susceptible to shoulder injuries due repetitive upper-limb movements on vertical or overhanging terrain. However, the long-term effects of prolonged climbing joints still unknown.PurposeThe purpose this study was analyze prevalence pain and degenerative changes in after high-level rock over at least 25 years. We hypothesized that specific climber-associated patterns degeneration would be found.MethodsThirty-one adult male were compared an age- sex-matched control group 31 nonclimbers. All participants underwent a detailed interview, standardized clinical examination, bilateral (climbers) unilateral (nonclimbers, dominant side) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Clinical MRI findings groups compared.ResultsThe lifetime 77%. The had significantly more abnormalities labrum (82% vs. 52%; P = .002), long biceps tendon (53% 23%; .006), cartilage (28% 3%; .005). These increased positively correlated with intensity. There no differences between 2 respect rotator cuff pathology (68% 58%; .331) acromioclavicular joint (88% 90%; .713). Despite climbers, their Constant score (CS) better than nonclimbers (CS 94, interquartile range [IQR] 92-97, CS 93, IQR 91-95; .019).ConclusionsProlonged leads high labrum, tendon, cartilage. it is not related any restriction function. Rock unknown. found. Thirty-one compared. .019). Prolonged