The relationship between elbow valgus stress and ulnar collateral ligament morphological characteristics in baseball pitchers
Advisor Information
Samuel Wilkins
Location
MBSC Ballroom - Poster #704 - G
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
4-3-2022 9:00 AM
End Date
4-3-2022 10:15 AM
Abstract
Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are common in baseball pitchers due to the significant forces on the medial elbow during the throwing motion. Typically, UCL injuries are season-ending and often require surgical intervention. Surgical outcomes can benefit athletes, but UCL reconstruction takes an average of 10-16 months to return to play. Identifying potential risk factors associated with increased risk of UCL tears may prevent injuries. Ultrasonography is one of the ways to confirm the internal condition of the elbow. With a reliable method of assessment, clinicians could prevent significant UCL injuries in baseball pitchers. To investigate the relationship between UCL morphology and elbow joint valgus stress during pitching, we implemented clinical and biomechanical assessments and compared variables. Our hypothesis was a greater elbow valgus torque during the late cocking phase would be associated with greater UCL length, elbow joint gapping, and joint laxity.
Study Design: Cross-sectional Study
Methods: 27 college baseball pitchers had their dominant arm assessed using ultrasonography and an instrumented arthrometer, then participated in live pitching in a motion capture environment. For the clinical analysis, we utilized ultrasonography to examine anterior UCL length and joint gapping, and LigMaster (arthrometer) to assess elbow joint laxity. The live pitching trials collected and assessed elbow joint kinematics during throwing and valgus torque at the late cocking phase.
Results and Conclusion: We are currently analyzing data from these trials and will have results and conclusions to share in time for the Research and Creativity Fair.
Scheduling Link
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The relationship between elbow valgus stress and ulnar collateral ligament morphological characteristics in baseball pitchers
MBSC Ballroom - Poster #704 - G
Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are common in baseball pitchers due to the significant forces on the medial elbow during the throwing motion. Typically, UCL injuries are season-ending and often require surgical intervention. Surgical outcomes can benefit athletes, but UCL reconstruction takes an average of 10-16 months to return to play. Identifying potential risk factors associated with increased risk of UCL tears may prevent injuries. Ultrasonography is one of the ways to confirm the internal condition of the elbow. With a reliable method of assessment, clinicians could prevent significant UCL injuries in baseball pitchers. To investigate the relationship between UCL morphology and elbow joint valgus stress during pitching, we implemented clinical and biomechanical assessments and compared variables. Our hypothesis was a greater elbow valgus torque during the late cocking phase would be associated with greater UCL length, elbow joint gapping, and joint laxity.
Study Design: Cross-sectional Study
Methods: 27 college baseball pitchers had their dominant arm assessed using ultrasonography and an instrumented arthrometer, then participated in live pitching in a motion capture environment. For the clinical analysis, we utilized ultrasonography to examine anterior UCL length and joint gapping, and LigMaster (arthrometer) to assess elbow joint laxity. The live pitching trials collected and assessed elbow joint kinematics during throwing and valgus torque at the late cocking phase.
Results and Conclusion: We are currently analyzing data from these trials and will have results and conclusions to share in time for the Research and Creativity Fair.