Medial Epicondyle Morphology in Elite Overhead Athletes: A Closer Look Using 3-Dimensional Computer Simulation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Previous studies explored medial epicondyle morphology in overhead athletes.
• No studies precisely quantified differences between elite athletes and controls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively compare medial epicondyle morphology between elite overhead athletes and control patients.
• To investigate differences in volume, thickness, and cortical bone composition.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study utilizing advanced imaging (CT/MRI) and computer simulation.
• 37 participants: 22 elite overhead athletes and 15 control patients.
• Measured medial epicondyle width, height, thickness, volume, and percentage cortical volume.

Main Results:

• Medial epicondyle volume was significantly larger in athletes (4976 mm³ vs 3682 mm³).
• Athletes showed increased anterior-posterior thickness (16.96 mm vs 14.40 mm).
• Epicondyle volume was predominantly cortical bone in athletes (97.9% vs 82.3% in controls).

Conclusions:

• Overhead athletes exhibit larger medial epicondyle volume and anterior-posterior thickness.
• The medial epicondyle in athletes is almost entirely cortical bone.
• Findings support adaptive remodeling theory in skeletally immature athletes.