Sonographic evaluation of the axillary artery during simulated overhead throwing arm positions

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to determine changes in axillary artery diameter and peak systolic velocity in asymptomatic individuals during upper limb positioning commonly used to assess vascular pathology in athletes. Design Repeated measures observational study. Setting Physiology laboratory. Participants Subjective and objective screening excluded individuals with past, or present, conditions related to neurovascular compression syndromes. Thirty-one subjects (21 females, 10 males; mean age: 25±4 years) were included in the final analysis. Main outcome measures Sonographically determined axillary artery diameter and peak systolic velocity, as well as symptom production, were recorded for a series of 12 randomised arm positions, incorporating varying degrees of abduction, external rotation, and horizontal flexion/extension. Results The majority of arm positions revealed no change in artery diameter and peak systolic velocity. However, at the extreme of abduction, and arm positions incorporating 120° abduction, significant ( p