APEX Elbow Mastering Surgical Techniques for Clinical Success-Combined Shoulder and Elbow Session: Overhead Throwing Athlete

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The transcript discusses managing elbow and shoulder injuries in young athletes, particularly throwers and collision athletes like softball players and wrestlers. It describes a case of a 12-year-old pitcher with a medial elbow injury and calcification treated successfully with a primary ligament repair using a suture bridge and internal brace, followed by six weeks immobilization, allowing return to sport. The panel debates early repair versus nonoperative treatment, emphasizing healing potential in youth. Another case addresses a 22-year-old baseball player with a posterior labral "batter's shoulder" tear, typically treated surgically with a six-month recovery. Key surgical techniques include knotless anchors and careful tissue handling to avoid stiffness. The discussion extends to UCL injuries in javelin throwers and wrestlers, weighing repair versus reconstruction based on injury severity and timing. Consensus highlights holistic care including physical therapy focusing on shoulder, hips, and core strength, as kinetic chain deficits often contribute to elbow injuries, emphasizing the team approach for successful return to play.

Asset Caption

Moderator: Brian Waterman, M.D., Scott P. Steinmann, M.D.
Panel: Michael O’Brien, M.D., Anthony Razzano, Jr., D.O., S. Joshua Szabo, M.D.

Keywords

elbow injuries

shoulder injuries

young athletes

ligament repair

UCL injuries

kinetic chain