Flexor-Pronator origin avulsion tear
medial epicondylitis
What is it?
The muscles that overly the Medial Collateral Ligament (the "Tommy John" ligament) serve to protect that ligament during the forceful actions of throwing. The muscles contract at just the right time to protect the ligament. Those muscles can tear if too much force occurs.
If only inflammation and microscopic tears occur, it is the same as Medial Epicondylitis or "Golfer's Elbow."
What does it feel like?
It is usually an ache in the inner side of the elbow and forearm, most often during the acceleration and follow-through phases of throwing. It can be a sudden tear or pop that leaves the thrower unable to throw. Medial epicondylitis develops over time, and is inner elbow pain with throwing.
How is it treated?
Nonoperative treatment can be successful for some throwers if there is no complete tear.
Operative treatment is required if pain persists after nonoperative treatment, or if there is a complete tear. If there is a sudden and complete tear, then the torn tendons must be surgically repaired back to the bone. If medial epicondylitis does not respond to nonoperative treatment, the inflammed and microscopically torn tendons are actually cleaned up by releasing damaged tissue from the bone and then repairing remaining normal tissue back over the bone.
How long will I be out of throwing?
If nonoperative treatment is successful, about 3-6 months.
If surgery is required, about 6-9 months. It can be longer if the underlying medial collateral ligament also requires reconstruction.
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