Upper extremity radionuclide bone imaging: shoulder, arm, elbow, and forearm.

Along with resurgence of physical activity during these fitness conscious times, there is increasing participation by people of all ages in sporting activities. Enrollment in organized and recreational sports among young adults and children has increased with as many as 30% of adolescents participating in competitive high school athletics. Despite improvements in equipment, the number of sports-related injuries presenting for medical attention has increased. Injuries to the upper extremities account for more than 25% of all sports-related injuries, but receive disproportionately less attention compared to lower extremity injuries. If neglected, upper extremity injuries can end the career of a professional athlete and cause sufficient damage to hinder daily activities in a recreational participant. Overuse syndromes, brought on by repetitive microtrauma are sports-specific, and often challenging to diagnose. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough understanding about mechanism of injury, site of pain, and knowledge of the sport. After a thorough physical exam, a variety of radiographic testing is often necessary to promptly diagnose and manage the injury so athletes can return to competition as soon as possible.