Shoulder and elbow pathology in the female athlete: sex-specific considerations

Abstract

Unique biologic and biomechanical aspects of the female body make women more prone to certain orthopedic injuries. Sex differences are well understood with regard to certain orthopedic pathologies such as anterior cruciate ligament injury, hallux valgus, carpal tunnel, and carpometacarpal joint arthritis; however, sex differences are less commonly discussed with regard to shoulder and elbow pathology. The purpose of this review is to elucidate sex differences specific to sports-related shoulder and elbow injuries in the female athlete population.

Keywords: Shoulder pathology; elbow pathology; female athlete; female athlete triad; generalized joint laxity; sex differences.