AI Article Synopsis
- Valgus overload in young athletes can lead to an elbow condition known as Little League elbow, characterized by medial epicondyle apophysitis, where the effects on surrounding structures like the ulnar collateral ligament are not fully understood.
- This study involved nine young baseball players diagnosed with Little League elbow, utilizing questionnaires, clinical exams, radiographs, and MRI to assess the condition.
- MRI findings showed more abnormalities than radiographs, but these did not alter clinical treatment; the ulnar collateral ligament was normal in all cases, suggesting no need for surgical reconstruction in this context.
Article Abstract
Background: Valgus overload in the skeletally immature elbow can lead to medial epicondyle apophysitis, or Little League elbow. The skeletal manifestations have been well described through radiographic studies. The involvement of surrounding structures, including the ulnar collateral ligament, remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to better characterize the involvement and relationship of medial elbow structures in Little League elbow through magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
Methods: Institutional review board approval was obtained. Nine Little Leaguers, 8 to 13 years, with clinical diagnosis of Little League elbow were enrolled. Play history questionnaire (including age, position, pitching history, duration of symptoms, and Kerlan Jobe Orthopedic Clinic shoulder elbow score), clinical examination, radiograph, and MRI of both elbows were obtained for analysis. Evaluation of radiographs and MRIs were performed by 2 radiologists blinded to clinical findings.
Results: A majority of the players reported compliance with pitch count recommendations. Four out of 9 players, however, were throwing breaking pitches at an average age of 11 years. Radiographic abnormalities were present in 4 players. MRI abnormalities were present in 6 players. All patients demonstrated normal ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) on MRI. The distance from UCL origin to the medial epicondyle physis were measured in both injured and healthy elbows. No significant differences were found. This distance ranged from 0 to 4 mm.
Conclusions: MRI of Little League elbow demonstrated more abnormalities compared with radiographs. The increased number of findings, however, does not change clinical management. MR evaluation of the ulnar collateral ligament demonstrates no role for reconstruction in Little League elbow. In addition, given the close proximity of the ligament to the physis, any surgical procedure involving the UCL origin should be performed with caution.
Level Iii: Diagnostic study.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/BPO.0b013e3181edba46 | DOI Listing |
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