Little League Elbow
Answer: D
Little leaguer’s elbow is a chronic overuse injury of the medial humeral condyle caused by repetitive valgus stress, resulting in osseous damage of the elbow (D). This injury can be seen in baseball players (pitchers and non-pitchers alike), racquetball and football players. Plain radiographs may show hypertrophy or separation of the medial humeral condyle. Treatment consists of rest until symptoms are completely resolved, followed by “re-training” in proper throwing mechanics.
Shoulder dislocation is uncommon in children less than 10 years old (B). Re-dislocation rates in adolescents are relatively high, from 72-86%.
Radial head subluxation, or Nursemaid’s elbow, generally occurs in children 1-3 years old (C). The immature radial head becomes entrapped distal to the annular ligament after longitudinal traction. The hyperpronation-flexion method of relocation has a higher success rate (80—95%) versus the pronation-flexion method (69-77%).
AC joint separation is relatively uncommon in children (especially pre-adolescents); it occurs when there is a direct blow to the superior or lateral aspect of the shoulder (specifically, the acromion, with the arm adducted). Increase direct force correlates with increased injury (A).
Little leaguer’s elbow is a chronic overuse injury of the medial humeral condyle caused by repetitive valgus stress, resulting in osseous damage of the elbow (D). This injury can be seen in baseball players (pitchers and non-pitchers alike), racquetball and football players. Plain radiographs may show hypertrophy or separation of the medial humeral condyle. Treatment consists of rest until symptoms are completely resolved, followed by “re-training” in proper throwing mechanics.
Shoulder dislocation is uncommon in children less than 10 years old (B). Re-dislocation rates in adolescents are relatively high, from 72-86%.
Radial head subluxation, or Nursemaid’s elbow, generally occurs in children 1-3 years old (C). The immature radial head becomes entrapped distal to the annular ligament after longitudinal traction. The hyperpronation-flexion method of relocation has a higher success rate (80—95%) versus the pronation-flexion method (69-77%).
AC joint separation is relatively uncommon in children (especially pre-adolescents); it occurs when there is a direct blow to the superior or lateral aspect of the shoulder (specifically, the acromion, with the arm adducted). Increase direct force correlates with increased injury (A).