오버헤드 투구 선수에서의 팔꿈치 외반-신전 과부하 증후군

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Valgus extension overload syndrome presents diverse elbow changes in overhead athletes.
• Key forces include medial tensile stress, lateral compression, and posteromedial shear, termed 'thrower's elbow'.
• Throwing motion generates significant valgus stress on the medial elbow during specific phases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the biomechanical underpinnings of valgus extension overload in throwing athletes.
• To identify characteristic adaptive changes and injury patterns associated with repetitive valgus stress.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing the full spectrum of injuries for effective management.

Main Methods:

• Review of biomechanical principles of the throwing motion.
• Analysis of soft tissue and osseous adaptations in the elbow.
• Correlation of injury patterns with valgus extension overload forces.

Main Results:

• Repetitive valgus stress leads to medial tensile, lateral compressive, and posteromedial shear forces.
• Characteristic adaptive changes and injury patterns occur across the medial, lateral, and posteromedial elbow.
• Manifestations differ based on skeletal maturity (mature vs. immature athletes).

Conclusions:

• Understanding throwing biomechanics is crucial for diagnosing valgus extension overload injuries.
• Accurate diagnosis requires recognizing the full spectrum of injuries in all throwing athletes.
• Informed clinical management and return-to-play decisions depend on comprehensive injury assessment.