UCL sprains

what kind of structures mainly stabalize the elbow joint?

passive

what type of force does the UCL stabalize against?

valgus

which band of the UCL provides the greatest protection against valgus stress?

anterior band

what muscles help stabalize the elbow along with the UCL?

FCU, FCR, FDS, and pronator teres

what is the most common MOI of UCL sprains?

elbow dislocation

what is the progression that leads to UCL tears?

1. repetitive overloading

2. inflammation

3. microtears

4. instability

5. full tear

what are the differential diagnoses for UCL sprains?

• medial epicondylaglia

• ulnar neuritis

• medial apophysitis (aka little leaguers elbow): age 9-12, likely pitching in multiple leagues with limited rest days

• valgus extension overload syndrome (pitchers elbow): posteromedial elbow pain seen in elite baseball pitchers

what are the subjective findings of UCL sprains?

• sharp, burning, aching over medial elbow

• associated with throwing athletes

• aggrivating activities: during/after throwing, reaching behind the body, overhead activities

• possible numbness and tingling

• feeling of instabilty

• drop in pitching velocity

what are special questions we should ask in our history taking?

• how many pitches are you throwing

• what is your level of participation?

• what phase of thorwing do you experience your pain?

• do you have any associated numnbess and tingling?

what are the objective findins for UCL sprains?

• ROM limitations in shoulder ER

• scapular dyskinesia

• tenderness to palpation of medial elbow

• pec and lat tightness

• thrower specific impairments

• positive moving valgus stress test and valgus stress test