Bony avulsion of the medial ulnar collateral ligament in a gymnast: A case report

Abstract

The risk of injury in gymnastics is higher during periods of rapid growth and is directly related to the level of competition. 8 Zetaruk M.N. The young gymnast. Clin Sports Med. 2000; 19: 757-780 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (48) Google Scholar Gymnasts spend an estimated 29% of their season altering their training routine as a result of injury. 3 Caine D. Cochrane B. Caine C. Zemper E. An epidemiologic investigation of injuries affecting young competitive female gymnasts. Am J Sports Med. 1989; 17: 811-820 Crossref PubMed Scopus (163) Google Scholar , 8 Zetaruk M.N. The young gymnast. Clin Sports Med. 2000; 19: 757-780 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (48) Google Scholar Most injuries in these athletes are the result of overuse, with upper extremity injuries occurring more frequently in male gymnasts and lower extremity injuries more often in females. 3 Caine D. Cochrane B. Caine C. Zemper E. An epidemiologic investigation of injuries affecting young competitive female gymnasts. Am J Sports Med. 1989; 17: 811-820 Crossref PubMed Scopus (163) Google Scholar Elbow injuries are relatively common in gymnasts due to the repetitive compressive varus and valgus stresses applied. These super-physiologic loads likely contribute to the development of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum and medial epicondylitis or apophysitis. 5 Koh T.J. Grabiner M.D. Weiker G.G. Technique and ground reaction forces in the back handspring. Am J Sports Med. 1992; 20: 61-66 Crossref PubMed Scopus (52) Google Scholar Catastrophic injury, such as an acute dislocation, is frequently seen as a result of a missed move, a fall from the apparatus, or an improper dismount. Several case studies have described the extreme of these injuries, such as bilateral elbow dislocations, in a gymnast. 7 Syed A.A. O'Flanagan J. Simultaneous bilateral elbow dislocation in an international gymnast. Br J Sports Med. 1999; 33: 132-133 Crossref PubMed Scopus (10) Google Scholar