Friday, April 29, 2011

What Is A "Dead Arm"?

Definition of a Dead Arm


Dead arm syndrome starts with repetitive stress from overuse of the shoulder.

The posterior capsule of the shoulder is connected to the tendons of the rotator cuff of the shoulder. The rotator cuff is made four muscles which are responsible for internal and external rotation of teh shoulder. Both the biceps and triceps tendon wrap around the inside of the shoulder joint, deep to the capsule. These muscles aid in holding, protecting and moving the joint.

Overuse can lead to a build up of tissue around the posterior capsule called hypertropy or swelling. The next step is tightness of the posterior capsule called posterior capsular contracture. This contracture leads to limited mobility of the joint.

If left untreated, a tear may develop in the labrum. The labrum is cartiage around the shoulder socket to help hold the head of the humerus in the joint. This condition is called a SLAP lesion.

When all of this is occurs, the result is a "dead arm".

Personal Belief

I am writing about this condition due to the recent events in the paper involving NY Yankee pitcher, Phil Hughs.

The term Dead Arm has been used multiple times with his condition, yet MRI with contrast has been negitive.

They then started to worry about vascular claudication, or a blood clot in his arm. Again Doppler studies are negitive.

This all leads me to personally believe that Phil Hughs is suffering from overuse, misuse and not a " Dead Arm".

For more information on Dr. Jason Peloquin or his office, Hands of Gold CHiropractic, please visthis website at:

www.HandsofGoldChiropractic.com