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Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in High-School-Aged Athletes

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Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury

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Abstract

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries have become increasingly common in high-school-aged throwing athletes. This is a unique population, as skeletally immature throwers aged 13–14 routinely compete with skeletally mature athletes aged 17–18. In these growing players, shoulder adaptive changes, throwing mechanics, pitch counts and pitch types, and increasing strength and velocity may all contribute to the risk of injury. Though surgical intervention has become increasingly common, conservative management including rest, physical therapy, and a gradual throwing program remain the mainstays of treatment. Injury prevention is paramount, focusing on proper throwing technique, minimizing overuse during the season, and limiting pitch counts.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Lauren M. Fabian MD

  2. Orthopaedic Surgeon, Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, 6801 Park Terrace, 90045, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Orr Limpisvasti MD

Authors
  1. Lauren M. Fabian MD
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  2. Orr Limpisvasti MD
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Correspondence to Orr Limpisvasti MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA

    Joshua S. Dines

  2. Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA

    David W. Altchek

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Fabian, L., Limpisvasti, O. (2015). Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in High-School-Aged Athletes. In: Dines, J., Altchek, D. (eds) Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7540-9_23

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7540-9_23

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-7539-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-7540-9

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