Adolescent elbow injuries

Abstract

Purpose of review The most common causes of adolescent elbow disorders are either secondary to overuse, most often associated with athletics, or trauma. In this review, we describe the most recent developments in treatment of several of these disorders. Recent findings Osteochondral allografting has been shown to be a reasonable alternative for patients with large, displaced osteochondritic lesions of the capitellum. Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, utilizing a docking technique, produces a high rate of return to overhead sport in male baseball players. Ulnar collateral ligatment repair should be considered in female athletes with ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency. Open contracture release and dynamic elbow external fixation with distraction have been shown to provide predictable outcomes in adolescent elbow contractures. Elbow injury prevention in youth baseball should be a high priority, as part of minimizing overuse and fatigue in youth pitchers. Summary Several recent studies have introduced innovations in the treatment of difficult adolescent elbow disorders, including large osteochondritic capitellar lesions and resistant elbow contractures. Recent data have also supported the continued use of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, medial epicondyle fixation and open contracture release in the adolescent patient.