Abstract

Sixteen consecutive athletes complaining of burners (upper extremity dysesthesia, pain, and weakness) underwent clinical, radiographic, electrodiagnostic (EDX), and isokinetic torque evaluation. Nine had persistent subjective complaints of arm weakness and/or numbness and eight had abnormalities on clinical neurologic examination. Seven cervical spine radiographic abnormalities were found in 6 of 13 tested athletes. EDX studies demonstrated 8 lesions in 7 of 14 individuals, and isokinetic torque deficits of the affected shoulder girdle muscles were found in 6 of 13 tested athletes. The diversity of pathologies and diagnoses found in these athletes indicate that the burner has a broad symptom complex. No statistically significant relationship was found between clinical symptoms, signs, radiographic abnormalities of the cervical spine, and EDX ant torque deficiencies. This suggests that the investigative tests used may evaluate unrelated parameters. Evaluation and management guidelines for athletes with first time and recurring burners are discussed. Verf.-Referat