Female Athlete, The

Rotator Cuff Function and Injury in the Female Athlete

Introduction Shoulder problems in the female athlete occur most commonly in sports that require repetitive or forceful use of the upper extremity. While there is extensive research in male overhead athletes, most notably baseball players and in particular pitchers, there…

Shoulder Instability in the Female Athlete

Introduction The shoulder is notable for being the most mobile joint in the body. Optimal function requires a delicate balance of stability and flexibility. This balance is achieved by contributions from both static and dynamic stabilizers. It is important to…

Shoulder Anatomy and Biomechanics

Osteology A variety of bony structures including the scapula, humerus, clavicle, and sternum are connected via soft tissue throughout the shoulder complex. The scapula is a flat, triangular bone that forms the posterior aspect of the pectoral girdle. Numerous muscles…

Ankle Instability

Introduction Ankle sprains are common injuries accounting for up to 40% of all athletic injuries. It has been estimated that 75% of ankle sprains involve the lateral ligamentous complex. More than 23,000 ankle sprains occur per day in the United…

Ankle Anatomy and Biomechanics

Introduction The ankle joint is composed of bones, ligaments, and tendons that provide an inherent balance between structure and function. Ligamentous structures connect the bones of the ankle to create a strong foundation for transmission of forces during weight-bearing activities.…

Hip Disorders in the Female Athlete

Femoroacetabular Impingement and Associated Labral Tears Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) refers to pathologic abutment between the femoral head-neck junction and the acetabular rim. This generally occurs due to a combination of structural, soft tissue, and activity-related factors. Two main forms…

Nonarthritic Hip Pathology

Introduction Due to the high loads received by the hip joint during walking and running, the hip and its surrounding structures are prone to numerous pathologies with varying degrees of severity. In a population of participants 65 years and older,…

Hip Anatomy and Biomechanics

Introduction The human hip consists of a stable but very mobile skeletal framework for the surrounding capsule, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and vasculature. Understanding the anatomy and the development of intra- and extra-articular pathologies is critical in any patient population, and…

Patellar Instability

Introduction Patellar instability remains a problematic entity in the athletic patient population. Most studies agree that adolescent females represent the highest risk group of patients for first-time patellofemoral dislocation. Treatment of patellar instability must be individualized, with care taken to…

Patellofemoral Pain in the Female Athlete

Introduction Patellofemoral pain is one of the most common sports-related knee conditions. , Patellofemoral pain is characterized by pain around or behind the patella during activities that load the patellofemoral joint, such as squatting, stair ambulation, running, jumping, and prolonged…