健康無症狀高等級網球選手兩側肘關節特徵之比較：神經電生理學與超音波影像評估

Comparison of Bilateral Elbow Characteristics in High-ranking Healthy Tennis Players: Neuroelectrophysiologic and Sonographic Assessment

10.6315/2008.36(4)01

林兆璋(Chao-Chang Lin)；黃永錚(Yung-Cheng Huang)；連玉輝(Yu-Hui Lien)；王興國(Shin-Kung Wang)；蘇聖珠(Sheng-Chu Su)；劉復康(Fu-Kong Lieu)

尺側副韌帶 ； 肘關節 ； 尺神經 ； ulnar collateral ligament ； elbow ； ulnar nerve

台灣復健醫學雜誌

36卷4期（2008 / 12 / 01）

201 - 208

繁體中文

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the differences in nerve conduction, soft tissues, and joint angles of the elbow exist between the bilateral arms of college tennis players and their controls. Sixteen healthy high-ranking tennis players and 15 controls without any history of pain in their upper extremities were recruited. Nerve conduction tests, ultrasonography, and X-ray evaluation were conducted on the elbows bilaterally of the players and controls. Results of the players showed that the sensory amplitudes of the ulnar nerve of the dominant arm were decreased (p=0.003). In addition, the thickness of the ulnar collateral ligament of the dominant arm was significantly increased (p=0.001). These findings may result from repetitive valgus stress and elbow instability. Nerve conduction studies and ultrasonography can distinguish the characteristics of nerve function and ligament structure on the dominant side of tennis players from their non-dominant side and controls. We suggest that such studies can be used as screening methods in tennis players for purposes of injury prevention.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the differences in nerve conduction, soft tissues, and joint angles of the elbow exist between the bilateral arms of college tennis players and their controls. Sixteen healthy high-ranking tennis players and 15 controls without any history of pain in their upper extremities were recruited. Nerve conduction tests, ultrasonography, and X-ray evaluation were conducted on the elbows bilaterally of the players and controls. Results of the players showed that the sensory amplitudes of the ulnar nerve of the dominant arm were decreased (p=0.003). In addition, the thickness of the ulnar collateral ligament of the dominant arm was significantly increased (p=0.001). These findings may result from repetitive valgus stress and elbow instability. Nerve conduction studies and ultrasonography can distinguish the characteristics of nerve function and ligament structure on the dominant side of tennis players from their non-dominant side and controls. We suggest that such studies can be used as screening methods in tennis players for purposes of injury prevention.