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Approach to Medial Elbow Pain in the Throwing Athlete

  • Injuries in Overhead Athletes (J Dines and C Camp, section editors)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament is the most common, significant injury affecting the medial elbow of the overhead athlete. However, there are many other significant sources of pathology that should be considered. This review seeks to present a broad range of conditions that providers should consider when evaluating the overhead athlete with medial elbow pain.

Recent Findings

Recent biomechanical studies have deepened understanding of the anatomy and function of the anterior bundle of the ulnar collateral ligament germane to the overhead athlete. Orthobiologics hold potential for expanding the role of non-operative treatment for ulnar collateral ligament injuries.

Summary

In addition to injury to the ulnar collateral ligament, providers should be prepared to diagnose and treat valgus extension overload, proximal olecranon stress fracture, ulnar nerve pathology, common flexor - pronator mass injury, and, in adolescents, medial epicondylar avulsion, when managing medial elbow pain in the overhead athlete.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sports & Orthopaedic Specialists, part of Allina Health, 8100 W 78th Street, Suite 225, Edina, MN, 55439, USA

    L. Pearce McCarty III

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 E 28th St, Minneapolis, MN, 55407, USA

    L. Pearce McCarty III

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Correspondence to L. Pearce McCarty III.

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L. Pearce McCarty has received consulting fees and speaker honorarium from Anthrex Inc. and is a principle investigator in an industry sponsored study funded by Biomet.

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Pearce McCarty, L. Approach to Medial Elbow Pain in the Throwing Athlete. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 12, 30–40 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-019-09534-w

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