Module 64, General Medical Level
This patient is a 14 year old male baseball pitcher who complains of
right elbow pain, swelling, and decreased ROM which has occurred intermittently
over the past year. He also describes clicking and "catching"
of the elbow. He claims that the pain has been getting progressively worse
and that it is worst after throwing. On physical examination, the patient
has a minimal joint effusion and is tender over his radiocapitellar joint
line. He also lacks 15 degrees of terminal elbow extension, but has full
flexion. There is some crepitus with ROM.
Question 64A
This
is a typical history and physical examination for "Little League Elbow".
Question 64B
This
boy is probably right arm dominant.
Question 64C
The
cause of this boy's pain is from a soft tissue over use syndrome.
Question 64D
The
primary treatment is to stop throwing activities and further work up is
only needed if there is no response to this treatment.
Question 64E
The
boy should be told that he will probably need to avoid throwing sports
for 3 months before he will be back to full throwing activity.
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