Elbow Flashcards
(60 cards)
What is Little League Elbow Syndrome?
A valgus overload or overstress injury to the medial elbow resulting from repetitive throwing motions
This syndrome occurs primarily in young athletes participating in organized sports.
What are contributing factors to increased injury rates in pediatric athletes?
Increased single-sport participation, year-round training, higher intensities at young ages, and longer competitive seasons
Conditioning and training errors also significantly contribute to injury risk.
What structures are affected by valgus stress during the throwing motion?
Medial epicondyle, medial epicondylar apophysis, medial collateral ligament complex, radial head capitellum
Valgus stress results in tension on medial structures and compression of lateral structures.
What leads to an overuse injury in the context of Little League Elbow?
Tissue breakdown exceeding tissue repair due to repeated stress
This can result in various injuries to the elbow joint.
What are the three components encompassed by Little League Elbow syndrome?
- Delayed or accelerated growth of the medial epicondyle (medial epicondylar apophysitis)
- Traction apophysitis (medial epicondylar fragmentation)
- Medial epicondylitis
These components are linked to repetitive valgus stress.
What symptoms are associated with medial epicondylar apophysitis?
Progressive medial pain, decreased throwing effectiveness, and decreased throwing distance
These symptoms often arise from overuse injuries.
What other causes of medial elbow pain should be considered?
- Avulsion fractures of the medial epicondyle
- Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprains or tears
A preceding history of medial elbow pain is a common risk factor for acute fractures.
What are the clinical signs of a medial epicondyle fracture?
Point tenderness and swelling over the medial epicondyle, often with an elbow flexion contracture greater than 15°
This injury manifests due to repetitive medial stress.
How can UCL injuries manifest?
- Acute ligament tears following a single valgus stress
- Overuse sprains following repetitive valgus overloads
The clinical presentation is similar to Little League Elbow but typically involves older teenagers.
True or False: Athletes with UCL injuries should be allowed to pitch until evaluated.
False
Athletes with suspected UCL injuries must not pitch until they have been properly evaluated.
What is the typical age range of athletes affected by Little League Elbow Syndrome?
Older teenagers
True or False: Neurologic injuries such as C8-T1 radiculopathy and ulnar neuritis are common in children.
False
What does lateral compression of the elbow most frequently result in?
Injuries to the capitellum and radial head
What is Panner disease?
Osteochondrosis of the capitellum occurring in children aged 7-12 years
What are common symptoms of Panner disease?
Dull, achy, activity-related lateral elbow pain
How is Panner disease generally treated?
Complete rest from inciting activities
What age group does Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum occur in?
Adolescents aged 13-17 years
List the potential sequelae of Osteochondritis dissecans.
- Loose body formation
- Residual capitellum deformity
- Elbow degenerative joint disease
What are the types of Osteochondritis dissecans lesions?
- Type I: no displacement and no articular cartilage fracture
- Type II: evidence of articular cartilage fracture or partial displacement
- Type III: completely displaced with loose bodies in the joint
What can cause posterior elbow injuries during throwing?
Extension overload and valgus stress during the follow-through stage
Fill in the blank: Anatomic malalignment of the lower extremities can cause _______.
[Little League Elbow Syndrome]
What role does growth patterns play in Little League Elbow Syndrome?
They are sometimes implicated as the cause
Why are skeletally immature athletes more likely to develop growth plate injuries?
Physeal or growth cartilage is less resistant to repetitive trauma than fused adult bone
What can rapid growth during growth spurts lead to?
Increased muscle and tendon tightness around a joint