The diagnosis and nonoperative treatment of elbow problems in the athlete.

An understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the elbow is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. In the athlete, the lateral compressive and medial traction forces account for the majority of problems. Lesions range from the valgus extension overloads to osteochondritis dissecans. Soft-tissue problems, be they "tennis elbow" or ulnar collateral ligament injuries, are frequently the greatest diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.