AANA Elbow Arthroscopy - August 2024-The Evaluation & Treatment of the Adolescent and Adult Thrower with Shoulder or Elbow Pain

The Evaluation & Treatment of the Adolescent and Adult Thrower with Shoulder or Elbow Pain

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Kevin Wilk discusses rehabilitation following elbow injuries and surgeries, focusing on overhead athletes such as baseball pitchers and gymnasts. He highlights the rising incidence of UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) injuries, partly due to increased throwing velocity, pitch types, and year-round specialization in youth sports. Wilk emphasizes evaluating the entire kinetic chain, including hips, core, shoulder mechanics, and posture, not just the elbow. Risk factors include overuse, improper mechanics, fatigue, and even extracurricular activities like excessive video gaming. Treatment protocols vary by injury severity and type: non-operative rehab includes rest, strengthening, and gradual return to throwing over months; surgical options include UCL reconstructions and newer techniques like internal bracing with shorter recovery times. Post-op rehabilitation focuses on restoring motion, strengthening, plyometrics, and careful throwing progression, tailored individually. Advanced technologies like wearable sensors and laser therapy support rehab. Wilk also covers associated conditions like valgus extension overload, tendonitis, olecranon stress fractures, and pediatric "Little Leaguer's Elbow," explaining diagnostic and treatment nuances. Success rates for UCL surgeries are high, typically 85-95%, but rehab must address the whole body to prevent compensatory stress and re-injury. Overall, his presentation underlines the complexity of elbow injury rehab requiring personalized, multidisciplinary strategies integrating biomechanics, sport demands, and emerging therapies.

Keywords

elbow rehabilitation

UCL injuries

overhead athletes

kinetic chain evaluation

non-operative treatment

surgical reconstruction

post-operative rehab