The purpose of this study was to report our experience with an arthroscopic surgery in the treatment of a painful throwing shoulder. The study subjects consisted of patients with painful throwing shoulder and followed up for more than one year after surgery/ There were 12 males. The age of the patients at operation ranged from 18 to 35 (average 24.3). The follow-up period ranged from 12 months to 52 months (aveage 31 months). Arthroscopic evaluation consisted of examination of the glenohumeral joint and subacromial space. Treatment consisted of debridement and repair of the rotator cuff, labral tears and subacromial space. The results were evaluated by the JSS Shoulder Sports score system. JSS Shoulder Sports score improved from 48.8 points to 88.8 points. All patients revealed undersurface tearing of the rotator cuff. 7 patients had lesions of the subacromial space. 5 patients also had tearing of the posterior labrum. Anterior labrum fraying was noted in all patients. 10 of 12 (83%) throwers evaluated had returned to their preinjury level of throwing, but 2 throwers have changed their positions. Arthroscopic surgery of the rotator cuff, labral lesions, and subacromial lesions are reasonable options for baseball players with symptomatic stable shoulders who wish to return to sports.
