Athletic Training Practice Exam

Shoulder pads are effective in preventing which type of injury?

1. Glenohumeral dislocation

2. Rotator cuff injury

3. AC joint sprain

4. Brachial plexopathy

The correct answer is: AC joint sprain

Shoulder pads are designed to protect the shoulder area from impacts and collisions, making them particularly effective in preventing AC joint sprains. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where the collarbone meets the highest point of the shoulder blade, and it is susceptible to injury, especially in contact sports. When athletes fall or collide with others, the force can cause the AC joint to be compromised. The padding in shoulder pads absorbs some of the force and helps to stabilize the joint, thereby reducing the risk of spraining the ligaments that support the AC joint. This level of protection is crucial in sports where shoulder impacts are common, such as football and hockey, as it helps maintain the integrity of the joint during play. Other types of injuries, such as glenohumeral dislocations or rotator cuff injuries, involve different mechanisms of injury that are not as effectively mitigated by the use of shoulder pads. While they provide some level of protection, they do not specifically target the structural issues of the glenohumeral joint or the rotator cuff. Brachial plexopathy, which involves nerve injuries in the shoulder region, is also not directly prevented by shoulder pads, as these injuries typically occur from traction or compression,