The Bennett Lesion
When getting a shoulder MRI in the absence of pain can be harmful
September 4, 2014
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2
months ago I received a phone call from a nervous father whose son had a
shoulder MRI despite having no arm pain "to make sure everything was
OK".
Well, the report stated:
"There is a chronic avulsion fracture...compatible with a Bennett Lesion."
It was the word "fracture" that threw the father into a panic, causing him to believe something was wrong with his son's pitching shoulder.
The good news? There was nothing wrong with his son's pitching shoulder.
Why? Because the Bennett Lesion is a common change that happens in pitching shoulders.
A 2004 study showed that not only is The Bennett Lesion common in pitchers:
For pitchers with no arm pain, there is no need to be concerned:
This is the danger of getting a shoulder MRI in the absence of pain in pitchers. It causes unnecessary panic.
Pitching for several years WILL cause changes in your shoulder, it's only natural.
ONLY get an MRI if you have pain! As Dr. James Andrews says:
"If you want an excuse for surgery, get an MRI."
Have Questions About This Newsletter?
Contact (PitchingDoc@msn.com / 631-352-7654) Dr. Arnold!
