Youth throwing athletes do not show bilateral differences in medial elbow width or flexor tendon thickness

Abstract

Background: Medial elbow laxity develops in throwing athletes due to valgus forces. Medial elbow instability in professional, collegiate, and high school athletes is well documented; however, the medial elbow of young throwing athletes has received less attention. This study investigated the medial elbow and common flexor tendon during applied elbow valgus stress of youth baseball players. Methods: The study included 15 participants. The medial elbow width and thickness of the common flexor tendon were measured on ultrasound images. Results: No significant side differences in medial elbow width or common flexor tendon were found at rest or under applied valgus stress. At rest, the medial elbow joint width was 3.34±0.94 mm on the dominant side and 3.42±0.86 mm on the non-dominant side. The dominant side increased to 3.83±1.02 mm with applied valgus stress, and the non-dominant side increased to 3.96±1.04 mm. The mean flexor tendon thickness was 3.89±0.63 mm on the dominant side and 4.02±0.70 mm on the non-dominant side. Conclusions: These findings differ from similar studies in older throwing athletes, likely because of the lack of accumulated stress on the medial elbow of youth throwing athletes. Maintaining elbow stability in young throwing athletes is a vital step to preventing injury later in their careers.

Recent Nonoperative Treatment of Elbow Pain

“…Several ligaments provide support to the elbow joint, with the ulnar collateral or medial group of ligaments being of particular clinical significance due to their contribution to valgus stability [7]. The anterior bundle of ulna collateral ligament, which runs from the medial humeral condyle to the coronoid process of the ulna, serves as the primary resistance against valgus stress.…”

Differential Diagnosis of Elbow Pain

“…Surgical treatment may be an option for patients with chronic attritional tears that have not responded to at least 3 months of conservative treatment, as well as for pitching athletes who wish to return to their pre-injury exercise capacity in the event of carbuncle tears or highly partial tears [22]. Ensuring elbow stability in young throwing athletes is a crucial measure for preventing future injuries throughout their careers [23].…”

The Recent Surgical Treatment of Elbow Pain

“…Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is an articular cartilage and subchondral bone disorder that primarily affects juvenile gymnasts and overhead athletes such as baseball and tennis players [31]. This disease is thought to be caused by recurrent loading at the comparatively weakly vascularized capitellum.…”