Valgus extension overload
Posteromedial ulnohumeral impingement
What is it?
The elbow has repeated impaction-loading during the deceleration and follow-through phases of throwing, which causes the posterior elbow to develop loose bodies and bone spurs, as well as damaged bone and synovium (joint lining).
What does it feel like?
It is usually a pain during follow-through in the back (posterior) of the elbow. There can be catching, popping or locking of the elbow.
How is it treated?
Nonoperative treatment involves resting the arm from throwing, physical therapy exercises and stretches, and anti-inflammatory medicines. Interval throwing can then often return players to throwing without surgery.
Operative treatment is required if pain persists after nonoperative treatment, or if there are large bone spurs or loose bodies. It is arthroscopic surgery, requiring very small incisions.
How long will I be out of throwing?
If nonoperative treatment is successful, about 6 months.
If surgery is required, about 6-12 months. It depends mostly on the condition of the medial collateral ligament and if it needs to be reconstructed in addition to the above procedures.
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