Stress across the elbow is concentrated in the posterior part of the trochlea and baseball may produce excessive or repetitive stress there as well as on the anterior part of the capitellum, according to a study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine.
Researchers collected CT imaging data from the elbow of 10 nonthrowing athletes, 10 college baseball fielders and 10 college baseball pitchers for analysis. The maximum density area of subchondral bone across the articular surface of the distal humerus was located in the posterior part of the trochlea in all patients.
Researchers found the maximum density area was significantly increased in the pitching group, which also demonstrated a significant distribution of the maximum density area in the anterior part of the capitellum. These results could support the role of mechanical conditions in the cause of elbow osteochondritis dissecans.
Read the abstract about elbow joint injuries in baseball players.
Read other coverage on elbow injuries:
- Study: UCL Reconstruction Effective for Returning Athletes to Play
- Terminal Elbow Extension Effective for Competitive Athletes
Researchers collected CT imaging data from the elbow of 10 nonthrowing athletes, 10 college baseball fielders and 10 college baseball pitchers for analysis. The maximum density area of subchondral bone across the articular surface of the distal humerus was located in the posterior part of the trochlea in all patients.
Researchers found the maximum density area was significantly increased in the pitching group, which also demonstrated a significant distribution of the maximum density area in the anterior part of the capitellum. These results could support the role of mechanical conditions in the cause of elbow osteochondritis dissecans.
Read the abstract about elbow joint injuries in baseball players.
Read other coverage on elbow injuries:
- Study: UCL Reconstruction Effective for Returning Athletes to Play
- Terminal Elbow Extension Effective for Competitive Athletes