Elbow injuries in the throwing athlete

Orthop Clin North Am. 2014 Oct;45(4):571-85. doi: 10.1016/j.ocl.2014.06.012.

Abstract

High valgus and extension loads imparted to the athlete's elbow during repetitive overhead throwing can lead to acute and chronic pathology. Over time, normal soft tissue and bony stabilizing structures of the elbow undergo progressive structural changes and can succumb to injury. Modern diagnostic modalities, including plain radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, in addition to arthroscopy, can aid in diagnosis. Although nonoperative management is often successful, surgical intervention may be necessary before allowing return to play.

Keywords: Athlete; Elbow injuries; Neuritis; OCD; Throwing; UCL; VEOS.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arthralgia / etiology
  • Arthroscopy
  • Athletic Injuries / complications
  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Athletic Injuries / therapy*
  • Baseball / injuries
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / complications
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Elbow / physiopathology
  • Elbow Injuries*
  • Electrodiagnosis
  • Humans
  • Ligaments, Articular / injuries*
  • Medical History Taking
  • Olecranon Process / injuries
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / diagnosis
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / etiology
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / therapy
  • Physical Examination
  • Tennis Elbow / complications
  • Ulnar Neuropathies / complications
  • Ulnar Neuropathies / diagnosis
  • Ulnar Neuropathies / therapy