Ulnar collateral ligament injuries in the throwing athlete

J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2014 May;22(5):315-25. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-22-05-315.

Abstract

Repetitive valgus forces on the throwing elbow place significant stress on that joint. This stress can cause structural damage and injury to the ulnar collateral ligament. Many acute injuries of the throwing elbow are caused by repetitive chronic wear. Although much work has been done on injury prevention in youth who are pitchers, overuse injury in throwing sports constitutes an epidemic. Failing nonsurgical management, ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction is a viable option to return the throwing athlete to competition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Baseball / injuries*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Collateral Ligaments / anatomy & histology
  • Collateral Ligaments / injuries*
  • Collateral Ligaments / surgery
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / etiology
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / prevention & control
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / surgery*
  • Elbow Injuries*
  • Elbow Joint / anatomy & histology
  • Elbow Joint / surgery
  • Humans
  • Orthopedic Procedures / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome