The Epidemiology of Youth Sport-Related Shoulder Injuries: A Systematic Review

Background. Youth around the globe place their shoulders at risk for injury when participating in sports. Shoulder injuries may vary severity, produce potential time-loss from sport, and result functional disability. We sought to explore sport-related shoulder youth by identifying rates, factors, mechanisms, prevention strategies. Methods. All relevant full-text articles were identified searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Sport Discus, Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry. No date restrictions used. studies reporting original research describing among female and/or male 5 18 years old included. Results. Of 3,889 screened, 97 described 24 unique The median seasonal prevalence of was 10.9% (range 1.2–28.2%). most common mechanisms contacted with another player, contact playing environment, falling ground. Risk factors side-to-side strength imbalances, weak external rotator muscles, scapular dyskinesia. One study evaluated a successful training strategy prevent injuries, but two other interventions demonstrated no effect. Conclusions. Sport-related are prevalent athletes. Injury included modifiable intrinsic such as strength, range motion, load. mechanism direct either person or an object environment. Innovative shoulder-specific strategies needed reduce this population. Trial Registration: PROSPERO ID: CRD42020189142.