2021 Annual Meeting Wrist & Elbow Access Pass-Questions and Answers: The Athlete's Elbow

Questions and Answers: The Athlete's Elbow

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The discussion focuses on managing UCL reconstruction in gymnasts, highlighting unique challenges due to upper extremity weight-bearing in gymnastics versus baseball. Dr. Moore notes no change from standard baseball protocols, allowing weight-bearing exercises like planks when athletes are asymptomatic, roughly aligned with baseball throwing timelines. John Conley shares a more aggressive rehab approach, initiating planks, handstands, and tumbling on non-dominant arms early, with a structured timeline advancing gymnasts to full skills by 6-8 months. Injury patterns are mostly acute tears, equal proximal and distal. Rehabilitation considers dominance, skill type, and biomechanics for safe return to gymnastics.

Asset Caption

Taylor D'Amore, MD; Steven Cohen, MD | The Athlete's Elbow

Keywords

UCL reconstruction

gymnastics rehabilitation

upper extremity weight-bearing

plank exercises

injury patterns in gymnasts