• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2002

Purpose : We evaluated radiographic changes and clinical manifestations of the elbow joint to identify the effects of the throwing between dominant and non-dominant arms. Materials and Methods : A hundred and five little leaguer’s baseball player in 5 elementary school and 2 middle school were evaluated for clinical symptoms and radiographic changes about elbow joint. Mean age was 12 years old and average periods of exercise were 32 months. Elbow functions were evaluated using ASES standardized assessment form and radiographic changes of medial epicondyle were examinated for enlargement, separation of the apophyses, fragmentation and irregularity. Results : Thirty seven players (35$\%$) were complained pain with throwing and the average score was 4.8 using visual analog scale. There were no significant differences in range of motion except flexion angle, valgus angle, and strength between dominant arm and non-dominant arm. Valgus laxity was more prominent in dominant arm. Ulnohumeral tenderness, radiocapitellar tenderness and medial flexor origin tenderness were in 18, 6, and 17 cases respectively in dominant arm. Medial epicondyle was enlarged in dominant arm with 13.0 by 6.3 mm compared to non-dominant arm with 11.7 by 6.1 mm. Apophyseal separation was 0.8 mm in dominant arm and 0.5 mm in non-dominant arm. Fragmentation and irregularity were 14 (13$\%$) and 25 (24$\%$) cases respectively in dominant arm. Conclusion : In little league baseball player, it needs usage of ball and bat with appropriate weight, and careful conditioning programs through throwing exercise in order to avoid elbow injuries.