What is the primary cause of Little League Elbow in youth pitchers?

The primary cause of Little League Elbow in youth pitchers is indeed repetitive micro trauma from throwing. This condition often arises in young athletes who engage in repetitive overhead throwing motions, such as during baseball pitching. The growth plates in a young pitcher’s elbow may not be fully developed, making them particularly susceptible to repetitive stress injuries. As these young athletes throw regularly, the soft tissues and structures in and around the elbow can undergo strain, leading to inflammation and pain.

Repetitive micro trauma damages the ligaments and muscles, particularly the ulnar collateral ligament and the growth plates of the distal humerus, which can result in pain and decreased function in the elbow. The consistent high-velocity throwing demands placed on their developing joints contribute significantly to this condition.

In contrast, trauma from a fall, excessive weight lifting, and lack of a proper warm-up, while they can contribute to various injuries in athletes, do not specifically relate to the etiology of Little League Elbow. The unique mechanics of pitching, coupled with the anatomical vulnerabilities of a child's elbow joint structure, make repetitive micro trauma the defining factor in this particular overuse injury.