Posterior Elbow Problems in the Overhead Athlete

Abstract

The overhead athlete is defined as an athlete who uses his/her hand in an overhead position. The motion in the overhead athlete is a highly skilled movement performed at extremely high velocity, which requires flexibility, muscular strength, coordination, synchronicity, and neuromuscular control of the whole body. In this overview, we will discuss the most common pathologies seen at the posterior side of the elbow such as posteromedial impingement, proximal ulnar stress fractures, and triceps pathology. Specific nonsurgical and operative treatment guidelines for the overhead athlete's elbow are also discussed.

Elbow Arthroscopy for Posteromedial Impingement and Fixation of Olecranon Stress Fracture

“…Proximal olecranon stress fractures are rare upper extremity fractures that primarily affect throwing athletes and can be found concurrently with posteromedial impingement. 3 Paci et al. 9 reported a series of 18 baseball athletes with olecranon stress fracture treated with cannulated screw fixation.…”

“…In the adult, a fracture in the midportion of the olecranon and a triceps avulsion fracture can be distinguished. 3 In the treatment of posteromedial impingement without ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) insufficiency, arthroscopic removal of the osteophytes leads to good results with low postoperative complications rate. 2 , 4 Our Technical Note presents an arthroscopic removal of posteromedial osteophytes and screw fixation technique for posteromedial elbow impingement with concurrent olecranon stress fracture.…”

Efficacy of soothing cream gel on the range of motion and chronic pain at shoulder and elbow: Protocol of a Double-blinded, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial

“…The overhead athlete is an athlete who uses their hand in an overhead position. They participate in sports such as baseball, softball, volleyball, water polo, lacrosse, javelin, golf, swimming, football, and many kinds of racquet sports, such as tennis and badminton (5)(6)(7)(8)(9). Overhead athletes place high demands as well as overload on the upper limb mobility, strength and stability during training and competition.…”