Outcomes and Performance Following Posteromedial Elbow Debridement in Major League Baseball Players.

BACKGROUND: Overhead athletes are particularly susceptible to elbow valgus extension overload syndrome and development of pathologic changes in the posteromedial elbow. Though arthroscopic débridement/osteophyte resection is frequently performed, few studies have analyzed the outcomes of this procedure, and none have specifically addressed professional level athletes. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: We hypothesized that following posteromedial elbow débridement, Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers would exhibit a higher rate of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction than baseline incidence in the existing literature, along with a decline in pitching performance. METHODS: Using publicly accessible websites, MLB athletes undergoing posteromedial elbow débridement from 2007 to 2022 were identified. Demographic information, procedure details, return to play (RTP) information, return to the disabled/injured list (DL/IL), subsequent UCL reconstruction, and pitching statistics were analyzed. Pitching performance metrics included Earned Runs Average (ERA), Walks Plus Hits Per Innings Pitched (WHIP), innings pitched, and fastball velocity. RESULTS: A total of 39 MLB players, including 26 pitchers, were included. Within the first three seasons after surgery, 82.1% (n=32) of players returned to play at the MLB level at a mean time of 176.1 ± 69 days. Pitchers exhibited a return to play (RTP) rate of 76.9% (n=20) at 175.8 ± 16 days. A total of 38.5% (n=10) of pitchers returned to the DL/IL for elbow-related issues within three seasons. Subsequent UCL reconstruction was seen only in pitchers, with a frequency of 19.2% (n=5). No statistically significant differences between single season pre/postoperative pitching metrics were identified. A small but significant (p<0.05) decrease in fastball velocity (94.4 vs 92.84; p=0.02) was observed over a three-season comparison. CONCLUSION: Contrary to our hypothesis, this study demonstrates that posteromedial elbow débridement is a viable surgery in MLB athletes, with RTP rate of 82.1% and no increase in rate of UCL reconstruction. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in single season pre- and postoperative statistical pitching performance. However, over three years postoperatively, there was a 38.5% rate of return to the DL/IL for ongoing elbow ailment and a significant decrease in pitch velocity, raising some concern over the longevity of postoperative improvements.

Differences in Anatomic Adaptation and Injury Patterns Related to Valgus Extension Overload in Overhead Throwing Athletes.

The purpose of our study was to determine differences in adaptative and injury patterns in the elbow related to valgus extension overload (VEO) in overhead throwing athletes by age. A total of 86 overhead throwing athletes and 23 controls underwent MRI or MR arthrography (MRA) of the elbow. Throwing athletes were divided by age into three groups: ≤16 years (26 subjects), 17-19 years (25 subjects), and ≥20 years (35 subjects). Consensus interpretation of each MRI was performed, with measurements of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) thickness and subchondral sclerosis at the radial head, humeral trochlea, and olecranon process. A higher frequency of apophyseal and stress injuries was seen in adolescent athletes and increased incidence of soft tissue injuries was observed in older athletes. Early adaptive and degenerative changes were observed with high frequency independent of age. Significant differences were observed between athletes and controls for UCL thickness (p < 0.001) and subchondral sclerosis at the radial head (p < 0.001), humeral trochlea (p < 0.001), and olecranon process (p < 0.001). Significant differences based on athlete age were observed for UCL thickness (p < 0.001) and subchondral sclerosis at the olecranon process (p = 0.002). Our study highlights differences in anatomic adaptations related to VEO at the elbow between overhead throwing athletes and control subjects, as well as across age in throwing athletes.

Effect of quantitative partial valgus stress during baseball pitching on ball velocity and subjective pitch-effort.

BACKGROUND: Excessive elbow valgus stress can often cause pitching elbow injuries, and rehabilitation is usually required before an athlete can resume playing. However, there is a lack of information on the partial load rehabilitation of pitching elbow injuries caused by valgus extension overload based on elbow valgus stress. The purpose of this study was to clarify how quantitative partial elbow valgus stress while pitching affects ball velocity and subjective pitch-effort. METHODS: Forty-six male baseball pitchers participated in this study. Each player wore a wearable device on the elbow that collected their pitch parameters. Ball velocity was measured using a radar gun. Each elbow valgus stress was measured while each player was instructed to throw 5 fastballs at full effort. Then, based on the average stress of the 5 throws (100% partial valgus stress), the 75% and 50% stresses were calculated (75% and 50% partial valgus stress, respectively). Each pitcher continued to pitch until the number of pitches thrown at the targeted elbow stress reached 5. Each player was asked about their subjective pitch-effort after completing each type of partial valgus stress pitch. Outcomes were statistically evaluated using either a 1-way repeated measures analysis of variance or 2-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The ball velocity was 72% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69%-75%) and 58% (95% CI, 55%-61%) during the 75% and 50% partial valgus stress, respectively (P < .001). Subjective pitch-effort was 41% (95% CI, 38%-44%) and 19% (95% CI, 16%-22%) while pitching at 75% and 50% partial valgus stress, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: It may be desirable to instruct pitchers to throw at less than 20% subjective pitch-effort of the max if they want to pitch at 50% partial valgus stress. Elbow valgus stress might correlate with ball velocity at 75% partial valgus stress pitch. These results could enable clinicians and coaches to perform safer return-to-throwing programs and prevent excessive load on the elbow.

The Management of Valgus Extension Overload Syndrome Experienced with Hitting in a High School Baseball Player: A Case Report.

Background: Valgus extension overload syndrome (VEOS) of the elbow is a condition associated with overhead athletes. However, the non-surgical management of these individuals is not well documented. Purpose: To discuss the unique presentation, management, and outcomes of an adolescent baseball player with a chronic history of VEOS experienced during hitting. Case Description: A 15-year-old right-handed high school baseball catcher presented with a six-month history of right-sided ulnar elbow pain. Elbow MRI w/ contrast was consistent with VEOS. The initial examination demonstrated excessive resting right-sided humeral external rotation compared to his left. Valgus stress testing in the subject's hitting position reproduced symptoms, which were alleviated with retest while correcting excessive humeral external rotation. Weakness of the humeral internal rotators and stiffness/shortness of the posterior shoulder were found and thought to relate to the humeral contribution to his elbow movement dysfunction. Rehabilitation emphasized addressing impairments contributing to excessive humeral external rotation with reintegration into batting. Outcomes: After five weeks of physical therapy, the subject returned to soft toss hitting at approximately 75% velocity for the first time since symptom onset, without pain. At seven months after discharge, a phone conversation confirmed that the subject had returned to baseball without limitations. Discussion: Despite the concept of 'regional interdependence', common proximal impairments are often assumed to contribute to elbow pain without a clear biomechanical rationale. Future research demonstrating the specific biomechanical effects of the shoulder on the elbow is needed, in addition to more accessible examination strategies to assess their relationship. Level of Evidence: 5.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Posteromedial Elbow Impingement in the Throwing Athlete.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Posteromedial elbow impingement is a common pathological entity in the throwing athlete. The posteromedial articulation of the elbow is a significant stabilizer to medial elbow forces and valgus stress noted during repetitive throwing. This current review investigates recent literature regarding the relevant anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment of posteromedial impingement in the thrower. RECENT FINDINGS: Improvements in advanced imaging have provided accurate and detailed diagnostic capability for the assessment of the throwers' elbow. After failure of conservative measures, arthroscopic treatment of posteromedial elbow impingement with posteromedial osteophyte removal has demonstrated excellent outcomes with a reliable return to play in the competitive thrower. In addition to a thorough history and physical examination, MRI, MR arthrogram, CT, and dynamic ultrasound imaging modalities are useful in the assessment of a presumed diagnosis of posteromedial impingement. Arthroscopic decompression with posteromedial osteophyte removal provides effective clinical results and return to play. The surgeon should be careful to avoid creating medial ulnar collateral instability by means of over-resection of the posteromedial olecranon.

Routine diagnostic arthroscopy with elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction does not reduce the need for future valgus extension overload-related surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Valgus extension overload syndrome (VEOS) most commonly affects overhead athletes and consists of a constellation of conditions involving the medial, posterior, and lateral elbow, with the most widely discussed being ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries. Many athletes with UCL tears also have findings consistent with other VEOS conditions, though these are not consistently symptomatic. Given the high rate of concomitant pathology, many authors have recommended performing arthroscopy at the time of UCL reconstruction (UCLR) to diagnose and address concomitant VEOS pathology; however, it is not known if this practice actually leads to a reduction in subsequent surgeries for VEOS conditions following index UCLR. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine if performing routine diagnostic arthroscopy (RDA) in patients undergoing UCLR was associated with a lower incidence of future VEOS-related surgery. METHODS: This study was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, with the primary outcome of interest being the likelihood of needing future surgery to address VEOS conditions with or without RDA at the time of index UCLR. The proportion and incidence rate of subsequent VEOS-related surgeries following UCLR with and without RDA were compared in mixed effects models. RESULTS: There were 25 eligible studies from an initial 1335 systematically identified articles, with results for 2118 UCLR cases. Among these, there were a total of 94 reported VEOS-related surgeries. The proportion of subsequent VEOS-related surgeries was lower when UCLR was performed with RDA (0.40%, 95% CI 0.00%-3.51%) than without (1.16%, 95% CI 0.03%-3.25%), but the difference was not significant (P = .584). The incidence rate of VEOS-related surgeries was 0.16 (95% CI 0.00-0.95) per 100 person-years with RDA and 0.14 (95% CI 0.00-0.55) per 100 person-years without RDA (P = .942). CONCLUSION: RDA preceding UCLR does not significantly reduce the proportion or rate of subsequent surgery for other VEOS conditions. There has been a decrease in RDA utilization with UCLR over time for athletes with torn/incompetent UCLs but otherwise no known symptomatic VEOS conditions, and this trend appears to be justified based on these findings.

Overuse Injuries of the Elbow.

Repetitive microtrauma in the elbow from chronic overuse occurs in athletes and nonathletes. Although the diagnosis is often made clinically, imaging is helpful to confirm the diagnosis, grade the injury, and guide treatment. MR imaging is particularly helpful in evaluating overuse injuries in the elbow, as tendons, ligaments, and bones/cartilage can be assessed. Tendinopathy can be distinguished from partial- or full-thickness tears, and reactive changes in the bone marrow can be easily identified. This article focuses on the MR imaging appearance of overuse injuries of the elbow involving tendons, ligaments, and bones.

Elbow Impingement Syndrome in Athletes / 대한스포츠의학회지

Overhead athletes often suffer from elbow injuries due to repetitive throwing movements. In particular, in the baseball pitching motion, a high shear torque generated in the late corking and early acceleration stage causes tensile loads on the medial elbow and shear force on the posterior of the elbow. These repetitive movements can lead to valgus extension overload syndrome. The valgus extension overload syndrome mainly occurs in overhead athletes, and is characterized by limited elbow flexion and pain at the end of extension. It is necessary to differentiate from the stress fracture or the avulsion fracture of the olecranon which complain of posterior elbow pain through computed tomography. The treatment is primarily rehabilitation that restricts the elbow motion. If refractory or mechanical symptoms persist, arthroscopic surgery may be an effective treatment modality for the removal of the osteophytes. In the surgical field, it is desirable to reconstruct the medial collateral ligament when it is confirmed that the ligament is ruptured. Patients who underwent arthroscopic removal of olecranon osteophytes had immediate active elbow exercises and for 3 months were prohibited from pitching exercises. During this period, they were rehabilitated with the focus on strengthening muscles around the scapula, rotator cuff and shoulder. After 3 months, the pitching exercise is gradually started. Six months after the operation, the elbow strength should be restored to the level at which the game starts. Patients who underwent a combined ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, half pitching are allowed at 6 months.

Valgus extension overload syndrome in adolescent baseball players: clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of valgus extension overload syndrome (VEOS) in adolescent athletes. We evaluated posteromedial compartment pathology, including combined lesions, and reported the surgical outcomes in adolescent baseball players. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 13 male adolescent baseball players (mean age, 15.4 years) who underwent arthroscopic olecranon tip resection (n = 9) or staged operations (arthroscopic olecranon tip resection, followed by medial collateral ligament reconstruction 2 weeks later; n = 4). The shape of the tip fragment was used to classify the olecranon into 2 types: type 1, dot-like fragment (n = 3); type 2, triangular-shape fragment (n = 10). Four outcome measures were analyzed: range of motion, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, rate of return to play, and Conway scale score. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 3.3 years (range, 2-6 years), the mean VAS pain score decreased from 4.1 preoperatively to 1.1 postoperatively (P < .05). Preoperative mean extension and supination were 4.2° and 70.0°, which improved to 1° (P < .05) and 76.2° (P < .05), respectively. The overall rate of return to play was 85% (11 of 13). On the Conway scale, 8 of 13 patients (62%) were classified as excellent. Patients who underwent isolated arthroscopic surgery reported less pain postoperatively and achieved a higher grade on the Conway scale than patients who underwent staged operations. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic resection of olecranon tip yielded favorable outcomes at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Patients with concomitant ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency had less optimal outcomes than those with isolated posteromedial impingement.

Multimodality Imaging of the Painful Elbow: Current Imaging Concepts and Image-Guided Treatments for the Injured Thrower's Elbow.

Elbow pain in overhead sport athletes is not uncommon. Repetitive throwing can lead to chronic overuse and/or acute injury to tendons, ligaments, bones, or nerves about the elbow. A thorough history and physical examination of the thrower's elbow frequently establishes the diagnosis for pain. Imaging can provide additional information when the clinical picture is unclear or further information is necessary for risk stratification and treatment planning. This article focuses on current imaging concepts and image-guided treatments for injuries commonly affecting the adult throwing athlete's elbow.

Pitcher's elbow: medial elbow pain in the overhead-throwing athlete.

Overhead athletes subject their elbows to significant valgus stresses throughout the throwing cycle. A steady rise in the number of medial-sided elbow injuries over the years has lead to increased awareness regarding the pathophysiology of the "pitcher's elbow." As our understanding of the functional anatomy and throwing biomechanics has become more sophisticated, we have seen a concurrent improvement in the outcomes associated with managing these injuries. Despite this improvement, continued anatomical and biomechanical research is still needed to further optimize outcomes and return to sport.

Posteromedial olecranon impingement of the pitching elbow: Additional findings provided by CT.

PURPOSE: Posteromedial olecranon impingement (PMOI) is the most common diagnosis in baseball players with throwing-induced elbow injuries. CT imaging manifestations of PMOI have seldom been previously reported. Our purpose is to investigate the additional value of CT imaging in the evaluation of PMOI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2010 to December 2013, 47 baseball players with throwing-induced elbow pain received imaging studies (CT and/or MRI) of the elbow at our institution. After retrospectively reviewing the clinical records and imaging studies, 31 of the 47 players were diagnosed with PMOI by the criteria of posteromedial elbow pain with clinical consistency for PMOI and characteristic osteoarthrosis at the posteromedial ulnotrochlear articulation (posteromedial olecranon space, PMOS) detected by CT and/or MRI. The imaging modalities of these 31 players including radiography, CT, and MRI were reviewed by 2 experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. RESULTS: The most common imaging manifestations of PMOI by CT or MRI include joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, and osteophytes at the PMOS. CT was superior to MRI with a statistically significant (P<0.05) difference in detecting joint space narrowing, medial olecranon subluxation, as well as the number of loose bodies. In contrast, bone marrow edema and associated soft tissue injuries in PMOI are more readily observed on MRI. CONCLUSIONS: CT is superior in identifying some imaging features of PMOI. Whenever PMOI is diagnosed in the pitching elbow of a baseball player, CT should be considered prior to surgical intervention as it will often provide additional information to the surgeon that may alter surgical management.

Tratamiento quirúrgico del síndrome de sobrecarga en valgo y extensión en atletas / Traitement chirurgical du syndrome de surcharge en valgus et en extension chez les athlètes / Surgical treatment of valgus extension overload syndrome in athletes

Introducción: la sobrecarga en valgo y extensión (choque posteromedial) es una lesión que se presenta con cierta frecuencia en atletas de lanzamiento, que en ocasiones puede requerir de cirugía para que el atleta pueda seguir compitiendo. Objetivos: realizar el diagnóstico y tratamiento del síndrome de sobrecarga en valgo y extensión en atletas, hacer diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento adecuado. Métodos: se realizó un estudio longitudinal prospectivo de intervención que incluyó a deportistas de alto rendimiento operados por síndrome de sobrecarga en valgo y extensión. La muestra estuvo formada por 8 pacientes, todos masculinos, edad media 26 años (rango entre 22 y 29), deportes que practicaban: 6 béisbol (5 lanzadores y uno jardinero), un paciente de pesas y otro de jabalina. El tiempo de seguimiento mínimo fue de 6 meses y máximo de 4 años y una media de 2.3 años. Resultados: fueron operados ocho pacientes, de ellos cuatro presentaban neuropatía por compresión del nervio cubital a nivel del codo, a cuatro se les realizó además transferencia del nervio cubital, dos subcutáneo y en dos se le realizó una polea con fascia flexora pronadora. Las complicaciones que se presentaron fueron: recidiva del dolor por insuficiencia del ligamento colateral medial (1/8) pacientes. Los resultados funcionales según escala de Conway fueron excelentes (5/8), bueno (2/8) y pobre (1/8). Conclusiones: el estrés repetido, la insuficiencia de los flexores pronadores y del ligamento colateral medial son las causas desencadenantes del síndrome de sobrecarga en valgo y extensión. La cirugía favorece el retorno a la actividad deportiva en la mayoría de los atletas(AU)

Introduction: valgus extension overload (posteromedial shock) is a type of injure that is relatively frequent in throwing athletes and may require surgical procedures to be performed so that the athlete can keep on competing. Objective: To early diagnose and adequately treat the valgus extension overload syndrome in athletes. Methods: a prospective, longitudinal and intervention study was conducted in high performance athletes operated on for valgus extension overload syndrome. The sample was made up of 8 male athletes aged 26 years as average (range of 22 to 29 years), who practiced baseball (five pitchers and one outfielder), weightlifting (one) and javelin throw (one). The minimal follow-up was 6 months and the maximum was 4 years, for a mean of 2.3 years. Results: eight patients were operated on, four of them presented with neuropathy from compressed cubital nerve at the elbow; four underwent transfer of their cubital nerve, two subcutaneous and two with a pulley with flexor pronator fascia. The most observed complication was pain relapse due to medial collateral ligament insufficiency in one patient. The functional results according to Conway's scale were excellent in 5 patients, good in two and unsatisfactory in just one patient. Conclusions: repeated stress, insufficiency in flexor pronators and in the medial collateral ligament were the causes that unleash the valgus extension overload syndrome. The surgical procedure helps most of the athletes to come back to their normal sports activity(AU)

Introduction: la surcharge en valgus et en extension (choc postéro-médial) est une lésion assez fréquente chez les sportifs de lancers exigeant parfois un traitement chirurgical pour qu'ils puissent retourner aux compétitions. Objectifs: cette étude a été visée à déterminer un diagnostic précoce et un traitement approprié du syndrome de surcharge en valgus et en extension chez des athlètes. Méthodes: une étude longitudinale prospective interventionnelle comprenant des sportifs de haut niveau, traités chirurgicalement pour syndrome de surcharge en valgus et en extension, a été effectuée. L'échantillon est composé de 8 patients, tous du sexe masculin, âge moyen de 26 ans (22-29 ans), pratiquant baseball (5 lanceurs et 1 joueur de champ), haltérophilie (1), et lancer du javelot (1), avec un suivi de 6 mois au minimum et 4 ans au maximum, et une médiane de 2.3 ans. Résultats: sur 8 patients opérés, quatre étaient atteints d'une neuropathie par pincement du nerf cubital au niveau du coude, quatre ont subi une chirurgie de transfert du nerf cubital, 2 sous-cutanés, et 2 ont subi la reconstruction de poulie par plastie autologue de fascia des fléchisseurs-pronateurs. Dans un seul cas, une complication est survenue: douleur récidivante due à un trouble du ligament collatéral médial. Selon l'échelle de Conway, les résultats sont excellents (5 patients), bons (2 patients) et faibles (1 patient). Conclusions: on conclut que le stress persistant et les troubles des fléchisseurs pronateurs et du ligament collatéral médial entraînent un syndrome de surcharge en valgus et en extension, et c'est le traitement chirurgical qui permet le retour de la plupart des athlètes affectés à la pratique de leur sport respectif(AU)

Arthroscopic Olecranon Osteophyte Resection in the Baseball Players with Elbow Valgus Extension Overload Syndrome / 대한스포츠의학회지

We evaluated the clinical outcome after arthroscopic olecranon osteophyte resection without ligament operation in the elite baseball players who had valgus extension overload syndrome without moderate or severe medial collateral ligament injury. From January 2007 to December 2011, twelve patients underwent arthroscopic osteophyte resection without ligament operation and they were followed for more than 12 months. The mean age was 19.2 years and mean follow-up period was 26 months. The clinical results were evaluated using range of motion, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS). After checking osteophyte size and location through 3-dimensional computed tomography, arthroscopic osteophyte resection was performed. Average preoperative extension, flexion, pronation and supination were 2.3degrees, 138.2degrees, 76.4degrees, and 69.1degrees. Average postoperative extension, flexion, pronation and supination had been changed into 0.7degrees, 137.3degrees, 79.1degrees, and 77.3degrees. Average preoperative pain VAS and MEPS were 5.5 and 67.5. Average postoperative pain VAS and MEPS had been changed into 0.4 (p<0.001) and 97.5 (p<0.001). Eleven patients returned to play. Ten cases returned to their own position. No patients were performed other operation for elbow pain. The arthroscopic osteophyte resection in valgus extension overload syndrome with low grade medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) injury or without MUCL injury was a one of the ideal treatment option for early return to pre-injury levels and relief of pain.