2026 Volume 4 Issue 1 Pages 33-38
Objective: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the presence or absence of olecranon osteophytes and the elbow joint function and carrying angle in baseball players.
Methods: Thirty professional baseball players were included in this study. They were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of olecranon osteophytes in plain X-ray images of the elbow joint: group with osteophytes (n＝20) and group without osteophytes (n＝10). Moreover, their elbow joint valgus angle, elbow joint and forearm range of motion (flexion, extension, pronation, and supination), and the presence or absence of compensation in the zero release test were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to compare the two groups, with a significance level of less than 5 %.
Results: With regard to the elbow joint valgus angle, the carrying angle was significantly higher in the group with osteophytes than in the group without osteophytes (p＝0.04). No difference was observed in the range of motion or the presence or absence of compensation in the zero release test.
Conclusion: The carrying angle was increased in the osteophyte group, but there was no difference in elbow extension function.
