Long term changes of the throwing arm of former elite javelin throwers

The aim of this study was to determine long term changes in shoulder and el bow joints of former elite javelin throwers. Twenty-one elite javelin throw ers were examined at an average of 19 years after the end of their high per formance phase. mean age at examination was 50 yea rs, Functional assessmen t of both shoulders was determined by the Constant-score. The shoulder of t he throwing arm was examined by magnetic resonance imaging. Both elbow join ts were examined clinically acid radiographically. Five athletes complained about transient shoulder pain in their throwing arm affecting activities o f daily living, fourteen athletes had a deficit of internal rotation of at least ten degrees. Constant-scores of throwing arms were six points lower t han those of non-throwing arms (P < 0.05), Complete ruptures and partial te ars of the rotator cuff were frequent. Three athletes complained about tran sient elbow pain in their throwing arm affecting activities of daily living ; ten athletes had a deficit of extension of more than five degrees, All do minant elbows had advanced arthrotic alterations (osteophytes, sclerosis) c ompared to the con-dominant side. Athletes who trained with weights of more than 3 kg had a significantly higher risk of degenerative changes than ath letes who did not (P < 0.01). We therefore recommend to avoid throwing trai ning with weights of more than 3 kg.