Little League Elbow

Little League elbow is a condition that is caused by repetitive throwing motions, especially in children who play sports that involve an overhand throw.

The name of the condition is derived from the game of baseball; it is most often seen in young pitchers under the age of sixteen. The pitching motion causes a valgus stress to be placed on the elbow joint which can cause damage to the structures of the elbow, resulting in an avulsion of the medial epicondylar apophysis (growth plate).

Adult pitchers do not experience the same injury because they do not have an open growth plate in the elbow. Instead, in adult athletes a more common injury is to the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow, an injury that often requires Tommy John Surgery in order for the athlete to resume high-level competitive throwing.

Treatments for Little League Elbow typically involve a closely monitored rehabilitation plan with surgery being reserved for only the most extreme cases. Failure to comply with rehabilitation instructions could result in prolonged injury or discomfort.

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