Our Summary

This study looked at how much stress is placed on a baseball pitcher’s elbow when they throw the ball at different effort levels. Ten high school baseball pitchers were asked to throw five pitches at full effort, 75% effort, and 50% effort. The researchers then used a 3D motion capture system to measure the amount of stress on the elbow, and a radar gun to measure the speed of the ball.

They found that, as expected, both the stress on the elbow and the speed of the ball decreased when the pitchers threw at reduced effort. However, the decrease in elbow stress and ball speed wasn’t proportional. In other words, even though the pitchers might feel like they were throwing the ball with 50% less effort, their elbows were still experiencing 75% of the stress of a full-effort throw.

This is important because it suggests that pitchers might be putting more stress on their elbows than they realize when they’re throwing at reduced effort. This could have implications for injury prevention and recovery, as well as for training programs.

FAQs

  1. How was the stress on a baseball pitcher’s elbow measured in this study?
  2. What were the findings of this study regarding stress on the elbow and ball speed at different effort levels?
  3. How could the results of this study potentially impact injury prevention, recovery, and training programs for baseball pitchers?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about elbow surgery is to follow their physical therapy and rehabilitation program diligently. This program is designed to help strengthen the muscles around the elbow, improve range of motion, and prevent stiffness. By following the exercises and recommendations provided by their healthcare team, the patient can help ensure a successful recovery and reduce the risk of complications or reinjury. It’s important to communicate with your healthcare team about any pain or concerns during the rehabilitation process so they can make adjustments as needed.

Suitable For

Patients who are experiencing chronic elbow pain, instability, or limited range of motion may be recommended for elbow surgery. This can include individuals with conditions such as:

  1. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  2. Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  3. Elbow arthritis
  4. Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury
  5. Elbow fractures or dislocations
  6. Elbow tendon tears
  7. Elbow nerve compression (cubital tunnel syndrome)

Elbow surgery may be recommended if conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, medications, or injections have not provided relief. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the specific condition and severity of the injury, and may include procedures such as arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, nerve decompression, or joint replacement. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with a qualified orthopedic surgeon to determine the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before elbow surgery:

  1. Patient experiences pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the elbow.
  2. Patient may undergo imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to diagnose the issue.
  3. Patient consults with an orthopedic surgeon to discuss treatment options, including surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and preparations, such as blood tests and physical therapy.

After elbow surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to repair the damage in the elbow.
  2. Patient is monitored in the hospital or outpatient setting for any complications.
  3. Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and range of motion in the elbow.
  4. Patient follows a post-operative care plan, including rest, medication, and follow-up appointments with the surgeon.
  5. Over time, patient gradually resumes normal activities and sports, with guidance from the medical team.
  6. Patient continues to monitor the elbow for any signs of pain or discomfort, and follows up with the surgeon as needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific reason for recommending elbow surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after surgery?
  4. Will physical therapy be necessary after surgery, and if so, for how long?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options that could be considered?
  6. How many times have you performed this type of elbow surgery, and what is your success rate?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. Will I need to make any modifications to my daily activities or sports participation after surgery?
  9. How long will I need to take off work or school following the surgery?
  10. What steps can I take to help prevent future elbow injuries after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Fiegen AP, Nezlek SP, Loushin SR, Christoffer D, Verhoeven M, Kaufman KR, Camp CL. Journal: Am J Sports Med. 2023 Mar;51(3):779-785. doi: 10.1177/03635465221144020. Epub 2023 Jan 10. PMID: 36625428