Elbow injuries in the young athlete--an orthopedic perspective.

Elbow injuries in young athletes are increasing with these athletes specializing in a single sport at an early age and participating in their chosen sport at a high level year-round. The majority of these injuries occur from valgus loading of the elbow, either repetitively causing an overuse injury or more acutely resulting in a fracture or dislocation. Capitellar osteochondritis dissecans, medial epicondyle injuries and ulnar collateral ligament injuries are three of the most common elbow injuries occurring in young athletes.