What common condition may a pitcher experience due to repeated overhead throwing?

What common condition may a pitcher experience due to repeated overhead throwing?

• A. Rotator cuff tear
• B. Medial epicondylitis
• C. Ulnar collateral ligament tear
• D. Shoulder bursitis

Answer: (C)

A pitcher may commonly experience an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear due to the repetitive stress placed on the elbow during the overhead throwing motion. The UCL stabilizes the elbow and is particularly vulnerable to injury in activities that require a significant amount of throwing. Over time, the repetitive torque and strain can cause microtrauma that might culminate in a complete tear, significantly impacting the pitcher's performance and requiring intervention, which could range from rest and rehabilitation to surgical repair in severe cases. In contrast, while rotator cuff tears, medial epicondylitis, and shoulder bursitis can also occur in athletes due to specific mechanisms of injury or overuse, they are less characteristic for a pitcher focusing on the throwing mechanics that predominantly strain the UCL. Medial epicondylitis typically results from overuse of the wrist flexors and is more common in sports that involve extensive use of wrist and forearm muscles. Shoulder bursitis may develop due to general shoulder overuse but does not specifically stem from the throwing motion like the UCL injury. Thus, the mechanics of a pitcher's throwing style directly correlate with the likelihood of UCL injury as the predominant concern.

A pitcher may commonly experience an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear due to the repetitive stress placed on the elbow during the overhead throwing motion. The UCL stabilizes the elbow and is particularly vulnerable to injury in activities that require a significant amount of throwing. Over time, the repetitive torque and strain can cause microtrauma that might culminate in a complete tear, significantly impacting the pitcher's performance and requiring intervention, which could range from rest and rehabilitation to surgical repair in severe cases.

In contrast, while rotator cuff tears, medial epicondylitis, and shoulder bursitis can also occur in athletes due to specific mechanisms of injury or overuse, they are less characteristic for a pitcher focusing on the throwing mechanics that predominantly strain the UCL. Medial epicondylitis typically results from overuse of the wrist flexors and is more common in sports that involve extensive use of wrist and forearm muscles. Shoulder bursitis may develop due to general shoulder overuse but does not specifically stem from the throwing motion like the UCL injury. Thus, the mechanics of a pitcher's throwing style directly correlate with the likelihood of UCL injury as the predominant concern.