THROWER’S ELBOW: OUTCOMES AND RECURRENCE OF ELBOW PAIN IN PEDIATRIC ATHLETES

Abstract

Purpose: Thrower’s Elbow (TE) is an overuse injury of the medial elbow in pediatric, throwing athletes. The purpose of this study is to report the outcomes of TE in pediatric, throwing athletes. Methods: Between 1996 and 2018, 30 athletes at an average of 12.2 years old (range: 7.9 to 15.4 years old) were treated for TE. Demographic, radiographic, and treatment variables were recorded. Outcome measures included return to original position, inability to return to sport, surgery, premature physeal arrest, and recurrence of elbow pain. Results: Prior to their initial presentation, 25 athletes (25/30, 86%) stated they continued to throw despite arm fatigue/pain. At an average follow-up of 26 months (range: 6 months to 122 months), 22 athletes (22/30, 73%) returned to their original position at an average five months from their initial presentation. Recurrence of elbow pain occurred in 27 athletes (27/30, 90%). No athletes had premature physeal arrest of the medial epicondyle. Conclusions: The majority of athletes with TE returned to their original position or sport after initial treatment, but 90% of those athletes developed recurrent pain. It is important to educate athletes about overuse throwing injuries and prevention by adhering to established guidelines.