Elbow Injuries

posterior impingement

...if rest doesn't solve the problem, the spur may need removal.

This is a certain type of bone spur problem. When a spur forms on the tip of the olecranon (the bone on the back of the elbow, “the point of the elbow”) it may collide with the humerus as the elbow snaps out straight. This is often worse with curveballs as the pitcher tries to add extra “snap” to the elbow as he releases the ball. Pain behind the elbow at and after ball release is usually due to this problem. There can also be pain during tricep exercises since the tricep attaches to the same spot. If rest doesn’t solve the problem, the spur may need removal. This can be done through the arthroscope or through a very short incision as an outpatient. The return to throwing is within a few months. Again, the UCL must be evaluated beforehand to be sure the spurs are not stemming from a damaged ligament.