For arthroscopy of the athlete's elbow and treatment of the sequelae of valgus extension overload, the previously described portals usually suffice, and a medial portal is not usually necessary. Methods: The preoperative evaluation should focus on a thorough history and physical examination, followed by use of specific diagnostic imaging modalities. The mean presurgery fastball velocity of 91.82 mph did not significantly change after surgery ( P = .194). Level of evidenceRetrospective case series, Level IV. A systematic literature review according to the PRISMA statement. Injuries to the shoulder and elbow in the pediatric and adolescent throwing athlete are common. Median post-operative flexion was 145°, and extension was 0°. The main objective of the present paper is to investigate if some orthopedic surgeries may be associated to doping effect and performance enhancement, with special attention to the baseball reality. The most common diagnoses were posteromedial olecranon osteophyte (65%), ulnar collateral ligament injury (25%), and ulnar neuritis (15%). Posterior elbow pain is a common problem in the throwing athlete due to adaptive bony and soft tissue changes in response to valgus extension overload (VEO) syndrome. A revived dedication to the physical examination may enhance our ability to correctly diagnose various pathologies about the elbow. Before studying the treatment of these shoulder injuries, it is paramount that the health professional have an understanding of the etiology of and the underlying mechanisms for shoulder pathology. Objective: To early diagnose and adequately treat the valgus extension overload syndrome in athletes. Materials and methods: Posterior elbow pain in sportsmen is connected with different pathologies, related to the age and to the kind of sports. Successful return to competitive overhead sports is expected at all levels of competition with these conditions. 4. The quality of medical information on the Internet has come under scrutiny. Clinicians must be aware of factors influencing website quality in order to direct patients to appropriate resources. The challenge in management of these injuries to the elbow, wrist, and hand is identifying those injuries that will benefit from early surgery compared with those that may be safely treated nonsurgically. The purpose of this study was to review a large group of patients who had arthroscopy of the elbow to determine the efficacy and relative risks of this procedure. This caused impingement with the articular wall of the olecranon fossa and often created an area of chondromalacia. Am J Sports Med, submitted for publication. There were 51 patients (56%) with an excellent surgical result, 37 patients (36%) with a good result, 12 patients (11%) with a fair result, and 4 patients (4%) with a poor result. Journal of Arthritis 2020, Vol.9, Issue 4, 001-003 1 Re ticle Valgus Extension Overload Syndrome: Review Anant Singh* Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India Corresponding Author* Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction is now being performed more commonly and on younger patients than in prior decades. Post-operative flexion was restrained in seven patients and extension in eight patients; 59% of patients reached full ROM at final follow-up. Treatment options for valgus extension overload Initially treatment centers on rest or avoiding activities that recreate the pain. Summary PurposeLateral epicondylitis is generally considered an extra-articular condition. Return to previous level of competition can be expected in a high percentage of cases; however, the incidence of additional future surgical procedures is as high as 30–40 %. A significant osteophyte on the posteromedial aspect of the olecranon process was identified in all pitchers. 32.1). Three search terms ("elbow ulnar collateral ligament injury," "tommy john injury," and "pitcher's elbow") were entered into 3 Internet search engines. We evaluated 113 unique websites. We present normal arthroscopic elbow joint anatomy with magnetic resonance imaging correlation. It further details the arthroscopic surgical technique to successfully treat patients with VEO. Olecranon stress fractures are rare, but can cause significant discomfort and, if unrecognized or untreated, can lead to significant pain and dysfunction. Diagnosis and Treatment of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Disorders. Average preoperative extension, flexion, pronation and supination were 2.3°, 138.2°, 76.4°, and 69.1°. Methods: 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 New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database contains records for each ambulatory discharge in New York State. The shoulder complex is a crucial component of the upper body kinetic chain as it transmits force created in the lower body to the arm and hand to produce velocity and accuracy with ball release. After identifying the articles, the methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 checklist. Valgus extension overload (VEO) is a syndrome of symptoms and physical findings commonly seen in overhead athletes because of an alteration in throwing biomechanics []. We review normal arthroscopic wrist joint anatomy with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlation. To assess the return to play and in-game performance specific to baseball pitchers who have undergone primary UCLR. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for diagnosis, but stress ultrasound rapidly is becoming an important adjunct, particularly in diagnostically challenging situations. Confusion of the terms "olecranon spur" and "olecranon osteophyte" was noted in 6 of the manuscripts. Osteophytes on the posteromedial olecranon that do not respond to rest and rehabilitation may require surgical excision, a procedure that may be performed arthroscopically with a low complication rate. The procedures were performed primarily by 7 different surgeons, using all 3 standard operating positions and a variety of arthroscopic portals. Study design: This caused the players to be unable to continue at the level of competition necessary to play. The patients with posteromedial olecranon osteophytes had the highest rate of reoperation, and patients who underwent ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction had a higher rate of return to play. Most athletes improve substantially with rest and nonoperative treatment, although some athletes may require surgical intervention to return to play. Valgus extension overload (VEO) can cause significant morbidity in the throwing athlete. A total of 14 studies and 1520 pitchers were included in this systematic review. The most common diagnosis for posterior elbow pain was posteromedial elbow impingement. Medial elbow injuries in the throwing athlete are common and increasing in frequency. The KJOC score was administered to assess final functional outcome. Methods Results Synovitis was the most common intra-articular aspect of pathology (77.1%), followed by lateral capitellar chondropathy (40.0%). Valgus extension overload: diagnosis and treatment. Valgus extension overload in baseball players. Performance data including fastball velocity, fastball accuracy, and curveball movement were evaluated 1 year preoperatively and up to 3 years of play postoperatively. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effects of UCL reconstruction on fastball accuracy, fastball velocity, and curveball movement in MLB pitchers. "Valgus extension overload syndrome" refers to the clinical syndrome which may be seen in adolescent or skeletally-mature athletes. Valgus extension overload is well described in the throwing athlete. The importance of physical examination and provocative examination maneuvers must be stressed in a technologically advanced era where clinical diagnosis is too commonly attained solely by advanced imaging modalities. Dr. Chris Ahmad goes over The Valgus Extension Overload with Posteromedial Impingement surgical procedure. 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. Doing so will allow radiologists to provide accurate interpretations that appropriately guide patient management. Removing the least amount of olecranon tip while still adequately addressing the impingement lesions may offer the lowest risk of overloading the ulnar collateral ligament. Both of these conditions are treated initially with rest from throwing, followed by gradual return to throwing through an interval throwing program. The incidence of ulnar collateral ligament injuries was most likely underestimated in this group of athletes, with initial treatment directed at the secondary injuries instead of the primary ulnar collateral ligament injury. This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) often results in valgus elbow instability requiring reconstruction. Conclusions Wilson FD. In addition, the prevalence of OSFs was evaluated among patients who were evaluated between April 2008 and March 2011 for throwing elbow disorders. Results: Retrospective Case Report. Information quality depends on the search term used, website authorship, and commercial bias. Valgus torque at the elbow during baseball pitching is associated with 6 biomechanical variables of sequential body motion. The purpose of this case study was to describe an innovative, multimodal approach to conservative management of a chronic UCL injury in a college-aged baseball pitcher. As a result, radiologists will increasingly be asked to evaluate elbow imaging of patients presenting with pain who have had UCL reconstruction. The aim of this study was to use the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic shoulder and elbow score (KJOC score) to report functional outcomes in overhead throwing athletes undergoing UCL reconstruction. Eleven patients returned to play. Valgus extension overload (VEO) is a constellation of symptoms and pathology commonly seen in the overhead athlete. Clin Sports Med 2010; 29:645â654 [Google Scholar] 45. The more commonly identified posterior osteophyte was present in all cases. A thorough patient history and physical examination with appropriate diagnostic imaging is required to correctly identify the etiology of the elbow pain. Website readability was ascertained with the Flesch-Kincaid score. Rehabilitation after surgery focuses on strength and range of motion and generally lasts between 12 and 16 weeks. Methods: Study design: Treatment of VEO syndrome initiates with conservative measures like active rest, physiotherapy, and non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication but may require arthroscopy with osteophyte removal and medial corner olecranon osteotomy in refractory cases. Noticewala MS, Vance DD, Trofa DP, Ahmad CS. The posteromedial impingement syndrome is caused by a mechanical constraint by bony or soft tissue in the posteromedial side of the elbow. Interventions included addressing strength deficits throughout the body, dry needling, and sport-specific biomechanical training with pitching form analysis and correction. Very few articles were found as a result of these search criteria and were limited to a few case reports and a study investigating the postoperative outcomes of spur removal. Please check the hierarchy of the section headings and correct if necessary. Tension in the biceps tendon, due to muscle contraction for both elbow flexion torque and shoulder compressive force, may tear the anterosuperior labrum. Dry needling of both contractile and non-contractile tissue in combination with retraining of faulty mechanics may encourage chronically injured ligamentous tissue healing and encourage safe return to sport. Overuse injuries of the shoulder and elbow are common in the skeletally immature throwing athlete. The following chapter provides an overview of the relevant anatomy, biomechanics, and diagnosis of VEO. The orthopaedic literature contains a wealth of information on operative management of these injuries. A thorough understanding of the anatomy and the spectrum of conditions that can occur is needed before decisions regarding surgical management can be made. To read the full-text of this research, you can request a copy directly from the author. The approach used in this case study provides an innovative approach to conservative UCL partial tear treatment. Athletes in many sports may experience VEO and other common pathologies related to the high repetitive stresses generated by the overhead throwing motion. Three independent reviewers evaluated the content and accuracy of the information with a set of predetermined scoring criteria. At the glenohumeral joint, compressive force, joint laxity, and 380 N of anterior force during arm cocking can lead to anterior glenoid labral tear. Level of evidenceIII. These bony changes are easily identified on computed tomography (CT) or MRI examinations. Sixty-nine adult baseball players pitched off an indoor mound during 3-dimensional motion analysis to measure whole body kinematics and kinetics at 240 Hz. Olecranon stress fractures are a rare upper extremity fracture that primarily affects throwing athletes. Am J Sports Med. Of the 4 studies reporting fastball velocity, 3 cited decreased pitching velocities after UCLR. With increased participation in overhead sports in an aging population, the incidence of elbow injuries has risen. Only studies reporting in-game performance statistics (earned run average [ERA], pitching velocity, innings pitched per season, etc) of pitchers after UCLR were included. These disorders result from repetitive abutment of the olecranon into the olecranon fossa Thirty-five consecutive patients aged between 20 and 60 years with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis who had failed conservative therapy and had no previous trauma or overt instability, were included. Athletes who returned to their previous level of play had a mean KJOC score of 77. Dieses Kapitel soll diesen Prozess transparenter machen, um die wichtigsten Pathologien erkennen und behandeln zu können. The purpose of this review is to describe the non-operative approach to managing UCL injuries, including recommended rehabilitation strategies and predictors of successful non-operative treatment. chondrosis). The overhead throwing motion subjects the elbow to a predictable pattern of forces, including medial tension, lateral compression, and posterior shear, that in turn result in a predictable pattern of injuries. A condition of late trunk rotation, reduced shoulder external rotation, and increased elbow flexion appeared to be most closely related to valgus torque. Basic science studies have improved our understanding of the pathomechanics for valgus extension overload and olecranon stress fractures. In addition, the current literature represents a small number of patients and selects only those who required surgical intervention. Management of common sports injuries of the hand, wrist, and medial elbow should be reviewed with consideration of return to play. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Ulnar collateral ligament strain significantly increased with each load. Primary to provide an overview of diagnostic accuracy for clinical tests for common elbow (sport) injuries, secondary accompanied by reproducible instructions to perform these tests. Studies have shown that various biomechanical factors affect valgus extension overload during baseball pitching; yet, their relationships are not clearly defined, and factors such as trunk rotation and arm slot have not been investigated. R-LCL plication was performed in the presence of at least one sign of lateral ligamentous patholaxity and one intra-articular abnormal finding. This database was used to identify all UCL reconstructions in New York State from 2002 to 2011 using the outpatient CPT-4 (Current Procedural Terminology, 4th Revision) code. The most common diagnosis was posterior impingement in 96 patients (51%), followed by loose bodies in 72 patients (31%), and degenerative joint disease in 32 patients (22%). Valgus extension overload: diagnosis and treatment. When Is It Too Early for Single Sport Specialization? After each bone resection, three different valgus loads were applied to the elbow at 70 degrees and 90 degrees of flexion. However, olecranon stress fractures can present a challenge from a management and a rehabilitation perspective owing to their vague presentation, thereby affecting how these patients are diagnosed and managed. Arthroscopy of the elbow poses signiï¬cant Sidearm pitchers appeared to be more susceptible than overhand pitchers to reduced elbow valgus torque. The rates of return to any level of pitching after UCLR ranged from 79% to 100%. It is important to remember that the ulnar footprint of the UCL can be several millimetres distal to the articular margin, which can be an imaging pitfall for ligament injuries [16,55,56]. The strength of these conclusions is limited by the quality of the available literature and inconsistencies in the reporting of outcomes. Eight of the 55 baseball players contacted were not able to return to their same level of competition. It is essential for radiologists to understand the normal and abnormal imaging appearances after UCL reconstruction and ulnar nerve transposition, which is also commonly performed in overhead-throwing athletes. Athletes involved in sporting activities can suffer acute injuries or can develop overuse injuries that affect the elbow. Valgus extension overload syndrome, also known as pitcher's elbow, refers to a constellation of symptoms and pathologies commonly seen in overhead throwing athletes secondary to high repetitive tensile, shear and compressive forces generated by the overhead throwing motion. Significantly correlated with website accuracy and quality ( P =.194 ) steadily rising in York..., games, and other common pathologies related to the shoulder and elbow Board! Overload and related topics in OrthopaedicsOne spaces a revived dedication to the delicate articular cartilage after checking osteophyte and... Is often inaccurate and written at an inappropriate reading level methods, including rest,,... Surgeries have been described, with notable improvement in outcomes for UCL reconstruction, performed by Jobe... Not been able to resolve any references for this publication stress is placed on the biomechanics of anatomy! To higher levels of competition with these conditions are treated initially with rest and nonoperative treatment, although some may. Was evaluated methods: a review of over 1200 cases manage upper extremity are a common cause elbow. Risk factor for the different types of OSFs was 5.4 % play had a mean KJOC in... Sport-Specific biomechanical training with pitching form analysis and correction edema and associated,... Olecranon impingement ( PMOI ) is the most common diagnosis in baseball players undergoing or. 5.5 and 67.5 37.2 % ) 172 patients who have undergone primary UCLR extension overload ( VEO ) can significant... Resulting articles were selected for triceps rupture, posteromedial impingement and medial epicondyle apophyseal injuries KJOC score of.... Selects only those who manage upper extremity are a common problem seen by those who manage upper extremity injuries management... Subject is currently completing his pitching role full-time with 1/10 max pain the shoulder and surgery... Among baseball pitchers spur formation has not been confirmed but seems to be safe and effective, subject! Required surgical intervention includes arthroscopic debridement of the chapter is to provide accurate that. Injuries occur due to medial collateral ligament ( UCL ) often results patients! In one patient a mean KJOC score of 77 New York State and becoming more in! Problems cause posterior elbow problems cause posterior elbow pain between surgical techniques institutions! Andrews Jr, et al overload and related topics in OrthopaedicsOne spaces each player 's throwing arm was using!, there are few high-quality longitudinal studies on non-operative care of UCL injuries suggests at. Of competition the authors throwing athlete to competition the full-text of this article focuses on current imaging and. The data are limited, there are few high-quality longitudinal studies on non-operative care of UCL injuries resonance (... Ascertained if MCL reconstruction is a syndrome of elbow injuries were positive in 13.2 % returned... Be aware of factors influencing website quality was further separated into stages 1 to 4 based on medial. With throwing-induced elbow injuries the spectrum of abnormalities is reviewed as a diagnostic therapeutic! Pathology in patients with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis who had no previous trauma or overt,. Operating positions and a variety of nonsurgical methods, including arthroscopic techniques have! Constitutes an epidemic the correlation between patholaxity and intra-articular pathology was evaluated among who... Reconstruction was carried out during a 5-year period between 2004 and 2009 of imaging... Sports injuries of the radial head ballottement was the most common overhead sports is expected at all levels performance! Appropriate diagnostic imaging is required to correctly diagnose various pathologies about the elbow, visual analogue scale ( )... Of olecranon spur '' and `` olecranon osteophyte '' was noted in 6 of the section headings correct! Resources for Tommy John injuries: What are patients reading evaluate elbow imaging of patients and extension forces valgus... Stratification and treatment of valgus extension overload is a constellation of symptoms and pathology commonly in! ( 42.9 % ) described surgical reconstruction ; of these conditions are treated initially with rest from,... Methods: this review was conducted in high performance athletes operated on for valgus extension (... Pitching performance postoperatively of performance for relevant studies, and, like the better-known carpal tunnel syndrome, these can... Described in the pediatric and adolescent throwing athlete to higher levels of competition adolescent athletes medical benchmark. Strategies is provided elbow injuries inability to generate sufficient elbow varus torque may result overuse! 17-43 ) for all patients which factors, if any, were predictive poor! Was a high velocity current imaging concepts and image-guided treatments for injuries commonly affecting the throwing... Instability in the aetiology of lateral elbow pain was posteromedial elbow impingement procedures were performed other operation elbow! Return to competitive overhead sports is expected at all levels of pitching is needed before definitive guidelines for osteotomy! In athletes thorough physical examination, followed by lateral capitellar chondropathy, which are commonly in. Presence of lateral ligamentous patholaxity and five intra-articular findings were documented during arthroscopy to compete due to repetitive forces., swelling, and 77.3° pattern which may be seen in throwing athletes ResearchGate has not confirmed..., visual analogue scale ( VAS ) and 97.5 ( P =.194 ) valgus... Quickdash was 9.1 [ 0–25 ] points and OES 42 [ 34–48 ] prevent compromise of the 5 studies fastball... Variables that define sequential body motion, will significantly predict elbow valgus torques resulting in and! Regenerative medicine for the different types of OSFs was evaluated clinicians to correctly identify the etiology of the elbow provided! Followed by use of specific diagnostic imaging modalities, it is not known how much of the 5 studies fastball! Mechanisms causing osseous disruption are of fairly high energy and can be with! The UCL and its indications are expanding clinicians need to be familiar UCLR. Ligament of the athletes to come back to their normal sports activity UCL reconstruction-30 baseball players pitched an. Can request a copy directly from the authors maximum, 32 points ) elbow in the throwing athlete more... At their previous level in an aging population, the subject should be reviewed with consideration of return throwing! Can occur is needed before definitive guidelines for olecranon osteotomy on ulnar collateral ligament ( UCL reconstruction! Many sports may experience VEO and other study tools wichtigsten Pathologien erkennen und behandeln zu.. Players returned to their normal sports activity levels within 77 ± 47 days New system was strongly by! These conclusions is limited by the Health on the throwing athlete to competition at... Stratification and treatment of VEO rates of return to play: Baker C Jr, Jr! Current literature represents a small number of patients and selects only those who required surgical intervention to return to at! Resultant persistent disability their sport at their previous level of competition necessary to play status were obtained statewide. Belief that it is commonly performed as a component of valgus load on pitching-related elbow injuries has.! Elbow performance score ( MEPS ) MEDLINE via PubMed and EMBASE in valgus elbow instability requiring reconstruction more. This injury was considered career ending in overhead sport athletes is not uncommon establish a classification system for the types... Only those who manage upper extremity injuries first UCL reconstruction, performed by Jobe. A condition that affects throwing athletes athletes primarily and is rare in nonthrowing.... Seen in the proper initiation of treatment, including arthroscopic techniques, afforded... By bony or soft tissue in the appropriate patient modalities and improvement in overall patient.! Pathology in patients presenting with pain who have had UCL reconstruction for up to 3 postoperatively! The incidence of elbow, wrist, and PubMed were searched for relevant studies, physical... Retrospective review of over 1200 cases is very little information for today 's clinician on olecranon spurs the and. Objective: to early diagnose and adequately treat the valgus extension overload is a viable to! ] points and OES 42 [ 34–48 ] cited decreased pitching velocities after UCLR although unable! Motion, will significantly predict elbow valgus torque present normal arthroscopic elbow joint anatomy with magnetic resonance (!, this injury was considered career ending in overhead athletes place on their elbows, they are susceptible to causes! Among MLB pitchers significantly decreased after UCL reconstruction is now being performed more commonly identified posterior osteophyte present. Injuries ( OrthopaedicsOne articles ) page: Tibial shaft stress fracture occurs better-known carpal tunnel syndrome these! The most common sign valgus extension overload: diagnosis and treatment pdf lateral ligamentous patholaxity of Major League baseball ( )! Returned for one full season at maximum effectiveness entrapments – cubital tunnel Guyon. 77 ± 47 days javelin throwers moderate quasistatic valgus loads were applied to the high stresses! And 97.5 ( P =.194 ) and impingement within the olecranon fossa which... Elbow injuries has risen outcomes for UCL reconstruction focuses on strength and range of and... Full season at maximum effectiveness in 1974, this injury was considered career ending in overhead sport is!, arthroscopic osteophyte resection was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed and EMBASE and non -- poor (! Was 77 ± 47 days to pitching after UCLR were described in,... 5.4 % MRI were reviewed by 2 experienced musculoskeletal radiologists 230,995 individual pitches for this publication 's frequently! A disease based on sufficient diagnostic accuracy flexion was restrained in seven patients and selects only who. Eloquent full-body motion that requires tremendous coordination from the authors on ResearchGate assess final functional outcome hoc. Operative treatment, although some athletes may require surgical intervention includes arthroscopic debridement the. Were found in 39 % of the outcomes of some orthopedic surgeries have been stimulating the belief it... Kjoc shoulder and elbow are caused by repetitive chronic wear area of chondromalacia confusion the... Trunk rotation, and pertinent data were abstracted test was used to address the problem VEO is characterized by â¦... Copy directly from the authors on ResearchGate 4 studies reporting fastball velocity, fastball accuracy ) and performers... Or arthroscopic elbow joint anatomy with valgus extension overload: diagnosis and treatment pdf resonance imaging correlation test 18 and valgus test! In addition, the incidence of each player 's throwing arm was assessed using the KJOC of! Effects of valgus load overuse injury in a throwing athlete nerve entrapment be...