Has your child or adolescent endured an elbow injury? Addressing elbow injuries in young patients is not just about alleviating immediate discomfort; it’s about safeguarding their present and future well-being, ensuring they can continue to grow, play, and thrive as they progress through life.

Dr. Michael Bercik of Lancaster Orthopedic Group in New Holland, PA, holds pediatric and adolescent orthopedics expertise. He ensures that young patients receive accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans for their sports-related elbow injuries. Dr. Bercik understands the importance of addressing these issues promptly to prevent long-term complications and support a swift return to sports and activities.

Growth Plate Injuries

One of the critical distinctions between children’s growing bones and adults’ fully developed bones is the presence of growth plates. Growth plates are areas of cartilage located near the ends of bones, and they play a pivotal role in bone development and growth. Due to their cartilaginous nature, growth plates are more susceptible to injuries than mature bones. Growth plate injuries in the elbow typically occur from sudden impact or excessive stress on the joint. The most common types of growth plate injuries in the elbow include:

• Supracondylar Fractures: These fractures involve the humerus bone just above the elbow. They can result from falls onto an outstretched hand or direct blows to the elbow.
• Medial Epicondyle Fractures: The medial epicondyle is a bony prominence on the inner side of the elbow. Injuries to this area often occur during throwing sports like baseball or softball.
• Lateral Epicondyle Fractures: The lateral epicondyle is located on the outer side of the elbow. These fractures are less common but can result from repetitive stress on the elbow, such as in tennis or gymnastics.

Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for growth plate injuries to ensure proper bone growth and development. Dr. Bercik possesses the expertise to assess and manage these injuries in young patients accurately, providing tailored care to support optimal healing.

Sports-Related Elbow Injuries

Participation in sports and physical activities is integral to childhood and adolescence, promoting physical fitness, social interaction, and personal growth. However, these activities can also put young elbows at risk for various injuries, especially in sports with repetitive overhead motions or high-impact contact. Some common sports-related elbow injuries in youth include:

• Little League Elbow: This condition often affects young baseball pitchers and results from repetitive throwing motions. It can cause pain on the inner side of the elbow and may lead to growth plate injuries or ligament damage if not addressed promptly.
• Gymnast’s Elbow: Gymnasts are prone to overuse injuries, including stress fractures in the elbow or inflammation of the growth plate, due to the constant strain on the upper limbs during training and competition.
• Tennis Elbow: While more commonly associated with adults, tennis elbow can also affect young athletes engaged in racquet sports or activities that involve repetitive wrist and forearm motions.
• Golfer’s Elbow: Similar to tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow can occur in young golfers and those participating in sports or activities that require gripping and swinging motions.

Let’s Work Together

Dr. Michael Bercik’s experience in diagnosing and treating common orthopedic elbow issues in children and adolescents makes him a trusted partner for parents seeking the best care for their children’s elbow health. If your child is experiencing elbow pain, discomfort, or injury, Dr. Bercik is here to guide you through pediatric orthopedic care. With his expertise and dedication, you can trust that your child’s elbows are in capable hands, poised for a healthy and active future. Schedule an appointment today!