Medial elbow stability. Clinical implications

Medial elbow injuries of athletes, such as baseball pitchers and javelin throwers, can prove to be debilitating and may have a negative effect on performance. The most significant injury to the elbow occurs is an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprain or rupture, which compromises the medial stability of the elbow joint. It has been found that the anterior oblique portion of the UCL is the primary stabiliser of the elbow, and that trauma to this complex may significantly hinder normal elbow function. An accurate diagnosis will dictate the degree of injury to the elbow as well as determine the most appropriate means of treatment.