TREATMENT OF YOUTH BASEBALL ELBOW

The injury should be recognized and appropriate care from a medical facility should be instituted so that appropriate studies including x-rays can be done. The following are non-surgical treatment options you may expect for a diagnosis of youth baseball elbow:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
2. Application of ice (for periods of 15-20 minutes).
3. Splinting of the elbow.
4. Electrical stimulation and stretching of the joint 2-3 times per week (physical therapy).
5. Possible injection of the joint using steroids.
6. Rest from throwing.

Throwing activities are usually limited for approximately 6 to 8 weeks. The actual length of rest depends on the degree of pain. If pain persists or worsens, the athlete should contact their sports medicine physician as soon as possible.

Upon a failed period of conservative treatment or if a displaced bone fragment moves with the medial collateral ligaments or is entrapped within the joint, surgical intervention may become necessary.

Surgical treatment includes open reduction and internal fixation using a screw, pin or other device to reattach the fragment to the underlying bone via a small incision located near the medial epicondyle.

Another option would be to utilize closed reduction of the fragment followed by percutaneous pin fixation. The ulnar nerve is located in close proximity and injury to the nerve is a concern with this approach. If the displaced fragment migrates into the joint, open reduction or excision is mandatory to prevent articular cartilage damage.

TOP