Elbow Torque Is Reduced in Asymptomatic College Pitchers With Elbow Laxity: A Dynamic Ultrasound Study

To determine the relation between medial elbow torque, as measured by wearable sensor technology, and adaptations of the medial elbow structures on dynamic ultrasound imaging in asymptomatic collegiate pitchers.

Thirty-four pitchers from National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II universities were eligible for preseason testing. The exclusion criteria included age younger than 18 years, history of surgery, non-pitcher, or current restrictions. Pitchers were fitted with a wearable sensor sleeve that recorded elbow torque, arm slot, arm speed, and arm rotation. Pitchers threw 5 fastballs in a standardized manner off the mound at game-speed effort. They also underwent dynamic ultrasound imaging of the elbow by a musculoskeletal sonographer, with standardized valgus loading. Images were deidentified, and measurements of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and ulnohumeral joint space (UHJS), to assess elbow laxity, were performed by a musculoskeletal radiologist.

The final analysis included 28 pitchers with an average age of 20.1 years (standard deviation, 1.3 years; range, 18-23 years) and playing experience of 15.3 years (standard deviation, 1.8 years; range, 11-19 years). The dominant UCL thickness (P < .001), loaded UHJS (P = .039), and delta UHJS (P < .001) were significantly greater than the nondominant measurements. An inverse correlation was found between loaded UHJS and medial elbow torque (r = -0.4, P < .001). Additionally, every 1-mm increase in UHJS significantly reduced medial elbow torque by 2.27 Nm (P = .032) and arm slot by 8.8° (P = .019) and increased arm rotation by 5.3° (P = .043). Pitchers with a loaded UHJS of 4.4 mm or greater and delta UHJS of 1.25 mm or greater had significantly reduced medial elbow torque (P < .001). Pitchers with a UCL thickness of 1.65 mm or greater had significantly increased medial elbow torque (47.4 Nm vs 44.8 Nm, P = .006).

Pitchers with increased dynamic elbow laxity were found to experience reduced medial elbow torque while pitching. Additionally, pitchers with greater UCL thickness on ultrasound were found to experience increased medial elbow torque while pitching. This study's findings suggest a relation between anatomic adaptations found on ultrasound of the pitching elbow and medial elbow torque.

Level II, prospective cohort study.