What is a common injury for a high school pitcher presenting with medial elbow pain?

• A. Medial collateral ligament tear
• B. Ulnar collateral ligament tear
• C. Radial collateral ligament tear
• D. Medial epicondylitis

Answer: (B)

The common injury for a high school pitcher experiencing medial elbow pain is an ulnar collateral ligament tear. This ligament is critical for providing stability to the elbow joint, especially during the throwing motion in sports like baseball. High school pitchers frequently undergo repetitive stress due to their throwing mechanics, which can lead to microtrauma and ultimately tears in the ulnar collateral ligament.

As pitchers throw, the arm is subjected to significant valgus stress, particularly during the acceleration phase. This repetitive stress can result in inflammation or injury to the ligament, causing medial elbow pain. Symptoms may include pain during throwing, swelling, and a feeling of instability in the elbow.

While other conditions such as medial collateral ligament injuries or medial epicondylitis also affect the medial elbow, the ulnar collateral ligament's involvement is notably significant in the context of pitchers. Medial epicondylitis, for instance, refers more to the tendons around the elbow rather than the ligament itself. Understanding the specific anatomy and mechanics involved in throwing helps to clarify why an ulnar collateral ligament tear is a common injury in this demographic.