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Posterior elbow problems in the overhead athlete
Michel P J van den Bekerom1, Denise Eygendaal
1*Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands †Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands.
Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review
|August 1, 2014
Summary
Overhead athletes experience posterior elbow injuries like impingement and stress fractures. This overview details common pathologies and treatment guidelines for these athletes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Overhead athletes perform high-velocity, complex movements.
- These movements demand exceptional flexibility, strength, and neuromuscular control.
- The posterior elbow is susceptible to injury in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the overhead athlete.
- To identify common posterior elbow pathologies.
- To outline treatment guidelines for overhead athletes' elbow injuries.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of overhead athlete biomechanics.
- Analysis of common posterior elbow pathologies.
- Synthesis of current treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Posteromedial impingement is a frequent diagnosis.
- Proximal ulnar stress fractures occur in overhead athletes.
- Triceps pathology is another common finding.
Conclusions:
- Understanding overhead athlete biomechanics is crucial.
- Early recognition of posterior elbow pathologies is key.
- Tailored nonsurgical and operative treatments improve outcomes.
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