Nerve injuries in the throwing elbow.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Neurology

Background:

• The elbow joint's anatomy, coupled with high angular velocity and stress during throwing, predisposes athletes to various nerve pathologies.
• While the ulnar nerve is most frequently affected, the median and radial nerves can also sustain neuropathies.
• These conditions are common in overhead athletes and throwing sports participants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the common nerve pathologies affecting the elbow in throwing athletes.
• To discuss the efficacy of conservative and surgical management strategies for these neuropathies.
• To highlight the importance of a structured return-to-activity protocol.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on elbow neuropathies in throwing athletes.
• Analysis of conservative treatment modalities including rest, activity modification, ice, splinting, and anti-inflammatory medications.
• Evaluation of surgical decompression as a treatment option when conservative measures are insufficient.

Main Results:

• Conservative treatments, including rest and anti-inflammatories, are often effective for elbow neuropathies.
• A graduated return to throwing is crucial for successful rehabilitation.
• Surgical decompression may be required but does not guarantee perfect outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Nerve injuries are a significant concern for throwing athletes due to the biomechanics of the elbow.
• A comprehensive approach involving conservative management and a phased return to sport is recommended.
• Surgical intervention should be considered judiciously, with awareness of potentially suboptimal results.