Isokinetic Evaluation in Posterior Shoulder Subluxation^*

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Engle, Robert P.^{a; **} | Faust, Jeffrey S.^a

Affiliations: [a] Center for Sports Physical Therapy, Berwyn, PA

Note: [*] Presented at the International Isokinetic Congress. Lake Tahoe, NV, April 1989.

Note: [**] Address reprint requests to Robert Engle at the Center for Sports Physical Therapy, 1031 Old Cassatt Road, Berwyn, PA 19312.

Abstract: Isokinetic tests of seven patients presenting with symptomatic posterior shoulder subluxation were studied. Patients were tested over a velocity spectrum from. 100–400 deg/sec in two diagonal shoulder motions and internal/external rotation at 45 deg abduction. Torque curve abnormalities were seen from approximately 70–110 deg with the flexion/abduction/external rotation diagonal and 85 deg with the extension/adduction/internal rotation diagonal. These defects were present both while the patient was symptomatic and asymptomatic. In conclusion, posterior rotator cuff insufficiency at the specific position of torque suppression was responsible for the abnormal finding in flexion. Posterior labral tearing with an associated clunk test created the positive finding on the extension curve.

Keywords: Shoulder cuff, rotator strength, posterior subluxation, isokinetic data

DOI: 10.3233/IES-1991-1203

Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 72-74, 1991