Abstract

In a retropsective study, 20 of 25 professional baseball pitchers (mean age 24years; range 19 to 28 years) who had had a reconstructive surgical procedure on the dominant elbow had satisfactory results (able to return to competitive throwing for one full season or more after surgery). Gentle motion was initiated 1 week after the operation on each patient. Exercises for mobilization andmuscle strengthening of grip, arm, and shoulder were increased until throwing was initiated 10 to 12 weeks postoperatively. Throwing was gradually increasedover several weeks from 30 feet at no more than half speed for 15 min to 60 feet at three-quarter speed. Pitchers were instructed to warm up before throwing and warm down and to continue this practice after they began competitive throwing. The longest period of follow-up has been 4 years (mean 2.8 years). Four of the 25 pitchers had unsatisfactory results. Our evidence does suggest that surgical procedures directed at medical soft tissue and posterior intraarticular changes carry better prognosis for competitive throwers than other procedures. The radiohumeral articular conditions should be evaluated at surgery. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)