リトルリーグ・ショルダーの経験と考察

抄録

We reviewed 19 cases of so called “little league's shoulder” treated from 1981 to 1987. Follow-up period ranged from 5 months to 71 months (average, 26). Those cases were all boys and their age ranged from 10 to 15 years old (average, 12.2). Physical examination revealed no characteristic signs, but radiographic findings are important to make a diagnosis. Widening of the anterior and lateral physis is essential for this disease. In addition reactive bone formation such as bony spur and demineralization of the lateral half of the epiphysis are seen. Rest for 2 or 3 months led to rapid healing on X-ray examination and no pain on hard throwing is present at the final examination. We consider that the pathological feature of the little league's shoulder is separation of the proximal humeral physis, Very early diagnosis and treatment is stressed in this paper.