Acute hyperextension/valgus trauma to the elbow in top-level adult male water polo goalkeepers: a cause of osteochondritis disecans of the capitellum?

Injury. 2013 Sep:44 Suppl 3:S46-8. doi: 10.1016/S0020-1383(13)70197-9.

Abstract

We report on 2 cases of hyperextension/valgus elbow injuries in two adult male national team water polo goalkeepers. Both were healthy and had never sustained any major injuries of the elbow. Mechanism and type of injury in both of them was identical. Different medical treatment protocols of these injuries possibly have led to different outcomes, with one of them developing osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Inadequate medical treatment of acute impact elbow injuries could lead to osteochondritis disecans of the elbow in top-level adult male water polo goalkeepers.

Keywords: Goalkeeper; Hyperextension; Osteochondritis disecans of capitellum; Repetitive elbow injury; Water polo.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Athletic Injuries
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / complications*
  • Elbow Injuries*
  • Humans
  • Humerus / injuries
  • Joint Instability / etiology
  • Joint Instability / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / diagnosis
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / etiology*
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / therapy
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Rest
  • Young Adult