Little League shoulder is best described as which condition?

Little League shoulder is best described as which condition?

• A. Proximal humeral epiphysitis
• B. Lateral epicondylitis
• C. Supracondylar fracture
• D. Glenohumeral dislocation

Answer: (A)

Little League shoulder is an overuse injury of the immature shoulder that affects the proximal humeral growth plate from repetitive throwing. In skeletally immature pitchers, the stress from throwing can cause traction and compression at the proximal humeral physis, leading to pain and sometimes widening of the growth plate on imaging. It’s most likely to occur in young athletes who throw frequently or with poor mechanics. This differs from a lateral epicondylitis (elbow tendon overuse), a supracondylar fracture (distal humerus fracture from a fall), or a glenohumeral dislocation (shoulder joint dislocation). The best approach is rest from throwing, gradual return with physical therapy to restore range of motion and strengthen the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, and addressing pitching workload; prognosis is good with proper management.

Little League shoulder is an overuse injury of the immature shoulder that affects the proximal humeral growth plate from repetitive throwing. In skeletally immature pitchers, the stress from throwing can cause traction and compression at the proximal humeral physis, leading to pain and sometimes widening of the growth plate on imaging. It’s most likely to occur in young athletes who throw frequently or with poor mechanics. This differs from a lateral epicondylitis (elbow tendon overuse), a supracondylar fracture (distal humerus fracture from a fall), or a glenohumeral dislocation (shoulder joint dislocation). The best approach is rest from throwing, gradual return with physical therapy to restore range of motion and strengthen the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, and addressing pitching workload; prognosis is good with proper management.