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6 replies

Elbow problems

A alh10+ posts
My son, a college junior RHP, was pitching about 10 days ago and heard a pop in his elbow. He tried to throw after that and couldn't. He had swelling and pain in the elbow. He came home last Friday and saw a Sports Medicine doctor (family medicine, not orthopedics). Based on is exam last week, he thought UCL tear and would need surgery depending on the severity. Had MRI done on Monday. He talked to the dr. today. His report was that there was some small tears but nothing could be seen otherwise. His recommendation was to rest it for 6 weeks and then come back and see him. Based on the pain and how much his elbow moves side to side, we really thought he had torn it more. My son is now unsure of how to proceed. Should he rest the arm for 6 weeks and see if it gets better or try to get the Sports Medicine dr. to go ahead and refer to an orthopedic surgeon for a second opinion. He feels that this season is now lost and if he waits 6 weeks and then it is determined that surgery is needed, then next year is lost also. If anyone has any feedback on which way to go, I would love to hear it. Thanks.
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bsbl247bsbl2471,000+ posts
alh,

My son heard a similar pop in his elbow his sophomore year of HS. The initial diagnosis from the sports orthopedic surgeon was that TJ surgery would likely be needed. Fortunately, the MRI revealed similar findings as your son, small tear in his UCL...surgery not needed, but six weeks of therapy was recommended. He DH'd the first 6-8 games of the season, and after his physical therapy was completed he was released to start throwing again...to make a long story short, he rushed himself back to fast and could not pitch the entire spring and summer season of his sophomore year. He's a freshman in college now, and I still get nervous anytime he complains of elbow pain. When the training staff struggles to take care of his elbow, I've actually sent my kid to an Acupuncturist and it has helped tremendously.

As Bulldog stated, hopefully the training staff at your son's college can recommend another doctor in your area and get him that second opinion, it certainly can't hurt. Best of luck to him.
D 58diamonddad10+ posts
take him to the best orthopedist you can find! they need to be a specialist in baseball injuries - will mainly be for shoulder and elbow
my son had the same thing in TX - we went to one doc who wanted todo surgery - took him to Texas Rangers doctor who prescribed rest and therapy - only does surgery on not less than grade 2 and usually only on grade 3 tears (full separation) - my son ended up playing catcher and throwing out 85% of baserunners that spring - is now backup catcher as a freshman for a D college program - therapy works unless you have a full tear - if your son will follow the doctor's plans

I would suggest talking to your coaches and the best programs inyour state to find the best orthoped in the area -

you might want to consider going to Birmongham to see Dr. James Andrews - he is the top rated elbow ortho in the country

Good luck - things will get better
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
All good points made but keep in mind that most insurances requires protocol, which is rest and rehab first.

This is even the protocol in probaseball.

You can gather all info and send to Andrews to look at, they are very good about that stuff.

Your son is entitled to a second opinion.

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