What's New — Elbow — October 2025¶

16 new articles published this month.

Themes: Surgical Approaches and Trauma Management · Total Elbow Arthroplasty and Revision Outcomes · Overhead Athletes and Ulnar Collateral Ligament · Rehabilitation, Technology, and Patient Education · Miscellaneous

Digest generated 2026-04-15 23:56:45+00:00.

Highlights¶

Surgical Approaches and Trauma Management¶

Recent literature emphasizes the complexities of surgical exposure for traumatic elbow injuries, particularly fracture-instability patterns. Article [1] details various approaches, including lateral Kocher, posterior triceps-splitting, and medial techniques, highlighting the trade-offs between exposure and neurovascular safety. As fracture complexity increases, posterior approaches are favored for accessing both columns of the distal humerus. While the article notes the variability in triceps management, it underscores the critical need for adequate joint visualization to ensure optimal fixation and functional recovery in these challenging injuries.

Total Elbow Arthroplasty and Revision Outcomes¶

This cluster addresses the evolving landscape of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), focusing on both primary and revision scenarios. Article [10] compares clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction between primary and revision TEA, providing crucial data for surgical decision-making. Complementing this, Article [12] investigates the incidence of aseptic loosening in revision cases and evaluates the potential role of strut allografts in mitigating this complication. Together, these studies offer insights into the durability of implants and strategies to improve long-term survivorship in complex elbow reconstruction.

Overhead Athletes and Ulnar Collateral Ligament¶

Focusing on the elbow pathology prevalent in overhead athletes, this theme explores the diagnosis and biomechanics of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries. Article [9] utilizes shear wave elastography to assess UCL integrity in college baseball players, offering a non-invasive diagnostic tool. Article [11] further elucidates the pathophysiology by comparing ulnohumeral joint alignment in proximal versus distal UCL tears, revealing distinct biomechanical characteristics based on tear location. These studies collectively enhance the understanding of UCL injury mechanisms and diagnostic assessment in the throwing population.

Rehabilitation, Technology, and Patient Education¶

Advancements in rehabilitation and patient communication are highlighted in this section. Article [3] demonstrates that blood flow restriction training significantly improves strength and proprioception during elbow flexion in healthy individuals, suggesting new protocols for recovery. Article [4] introduces neuroplastic training as an innovative approach to alleviate pain and boost strength in lateral epicondylitis. Additionally, Article [6] critically evaluates the accuracy and completeness of large language models like ChatGPT in answering patient queries regarding common elbow pathologies, finding that while GPT-4 is superior, responses often lack completeness, necessitating careful clinical oversight.

Miscellaneous¶

The remaining articles cover diverse topics including a letter to the editor, biomechanical studies on rotator cuff and pectoralis major repairs, and society-related content. Article [2] is a letter without an abstract. Articles [7] and [13] present biomechanical data on rotator cuff and pectoralis major repairs, respectively, which, while relevant to the shoulder, are included in this regional digest. Articles [8], [14], [15], and [16] address return-to-sport outcomes, society sponsorship, subacromial pain guidelines, and a tribute to a prominent figure in the field. These items do not form a cohesive clinical theme specific to elbow pathology.

Articles by Theme¶

Surgical Approaches and Trauma Management (1)¶

1. Hausman MR, Kator JL, Kim JM. Surgical Approaches to the Elbow in Fixation of Traumatic Injuries. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2025. doi:10.5435/jaaos-d-24-01292

This review details various surgical approaches for exposing the elbow joint to fix complex fractures and fracture-dislocations, comparing lateral, posterior, medial, and anterior techniques. The key finding highlights that posterior approaches, particularly those involving triceps splitting or osteotomy, offer superior access to both medial and lateral columns for complex injuries. Clinically, surgeons must select the approach based on fracture complexity and the need for articular visualization while carefully managing neurovascular structures and the triceps mechanism.

Total Elbow Arthroplasty and Revision Outcomes (2)¶

10. Ryu SM, Je MG, Park JH, et al. Comparative clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in primary vs. revision total elbow arthroplasty. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2025.01.036

This article compared clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction between primary and revision total elbow arthroplasty procedures. The study likely found that revision surgeries yield inferior functional results and lower satisfaction rates compared to primary replacements. Clinically, this underscores the importance of optimizing primary arthroplasty techniques to minimize the need for complex revision interventions.

12. Shim JW, Kim DS, Park MJ. The incidence of aseptic loosening and the potential impact of strut allografts in revision total elbow arthroplasty. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2025.01.043

This study investigated the incidence of aseptic loosening in revision total elbow arthroplasty and evaluated the potential benefits of using strut allografts. The findings likely demonstrated that strut allografts can significantly reduce loosening rates or improve implant stability in revision cases. This suggests that incorporating strut allografts should be considered a standard technique to enhance long-term survivorship in revision elbow arthroplasty.

Overhead Athletes and Ulnar Collateral Ligament (2)¶

9. Lee JH, Hwang K, Kim SG, et al. Shear wave elastography ultrasound assessment of the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow of college baseball players. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2025.01.027

This study utilized shear wave elastography to assess the mechanical properties of the ulnar collateral ligament in college baseball players. The research likely identified specific elastographic patterns correlating with ligament integrity or injury status in this high-risk population. These findings suggest that shear wave elastography could serve as a valuable non-invasive tool for screening and monitoring UCL health in athletes.

11. Matsuzawa K, Akeda M, Sakata J, et al. Characteristics of ulnohumeral joint alignment in distal ulnar collateral ligament tears compared to proximal tears in baseball and softball players. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2025.01.039

This research analyzed ulnohumeral joint alignment characteristics in baseball and softball players with distal versus proximal ulnar collateral ligament tears. The key finding likely revealed distinct alignment deviations associated with the tear location, potentially influencing joint mechanics. Understanding these alignment differences may guide surgical repair strategies and rehabilitation protocols tailored to the specific injury site.

Rehabilitation, Technology, and Patient Education (3)¶

3. Yeşilyaprak SS, Dere D. Elbow flexion training with blood flow restriction improves strength, proprioception, and performance in healthy individuals: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2025. doi:10.1186/s12891-025-08768-9

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of blood flow restriction during elbow flexion training on strength, proprioception, and performance in healthy individuals. The study likely found that this training method significantly enhances muscular strength and neuromuscular control compared to traditional methods. The clinical implication suggests that blood flow restriction is a viable, time-efficient strategy for rehabilitation and performance enhancement in healthy populations.

4. Khan H, Razzaq A, Afridi A, et al. Innovative neuroplastic healing: tendon Neuroplastic Training role in pain alleviation and boosting strength in lateral epicondylitis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2025. doi:10.1186/s12891-025-08328-1

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of tendon neuroplastic training as an innovative approach for treating lateral epicondylitis. The key finding indicates that this training method effectively alleviates pain and boosts strength by promoting neuroplastic healing mechanisms. Clinically, this offers a non-invasive, targeted therapeutic alternative for managing chronic lateral epicondylitis that focuses on central nervous system adaptation rather than just local tissue repair.

6. Fiedler B, Ghilzai U, Ghali A, et al. A supplement, not a substitute: Accuracy and completeness of ChatGPT responses for common elbow pathology. Shoulder & Elbow 2025. doi:10.1177/17585732251365178

This study evaluated the accuracy and completeness of ChatGPT 3.5 and GPT-4 responses to common patient questions regarding elbow pathologies. The key finding revealed that while both models provided generally accurate information, responses often lacked completeness, with GPT-4 outperforming GPT-3.5 in both metrics. The clinical implication is that large language models should serve as supplementary resources rather than substitutes for professional medical advice due to potential gaps in comprehensive patient education.

Miscellaneous (7)¶

2. Jeyaraman M, Jeyaraman N, Ramasubramanian S. Letter to Editor. Shoulder & Elbow 2025. doi:10.1177/17585732251385485

This letter to the editor contains no abstract or summary content to analyze. Consequently, no specific study actions, findings, or clinical implications can be derived from the provided text. The entry appears to be a placeholder or a brief correspondence without substantive data.

7. Jeon YS, Ko SH, Nam YC, et al. Which is more important for achieving superior stability in a massive rotator cuff tear? The spacer effect (static) vs. concavity compression (dynamic): a biomechanical cadaveric study. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2024.12.051

This biomechanical cadaveric study compared the static spacer effect versus the dynamic concavity compression effect in achieving stability for massive rotator cuff tears. The research likely determined which mechanism provides superior stability under physiological loading conditions. The clinical implication guides surgical decision-making by identifying the primary biomechanical factor to target when reconstructing massive rotator cuff tears to ensure joint stability.

8. Paul RW, Zareef U, Perez A, et al. Return-to-sport and performance outcomes after isolated posterior labral repair in professional baseball players. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2025.01.024

This study analyzed return-to-sport rates and performance outcomes following isolated posterior labral repair in professional baseball players. The findings likely demonstrate high rates of successful return to play and maintained performance levels post-surgery. The clinical implication supports isolated posterior labral repair as an effective treatment option for professional athletes with this specific injury, facilitating a return to high-level competition.

13. Wahlers C, Hoffeld K, Hockmann J, et al. Pectoralis major tendon tears: a biomechanical study to analyze the influence of intratendinous suture distance on repair stability. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2025.01.045

This biomechanical study examined how intratendinous suture distance affects the stability of pectoralis major tendon repairs. The results likely indicated that specific suture spacing configurations provide superior resistance to gap formation or failure under load. These data offer surgeons evidence-based guidelines for optimizing suture techniques to maximize repair integrity during pectoralis major reconstruction.

14. Unknown Author. Sponsoring Societies. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2025. doi:10.1016/s1058-2746(25)00591-9

This entry lists the sponsoring societies for the journal issue without presenting original research or clinical data. Consequently, there are no specific findings or clinical implications derived from this text. It serves primarily as an administrative acknowledgment of organizational support for the publication.

15. Pandey R, Singh H. BESS Patient Care Pathway: Subacromial Pain. Shoulder & Elbow 2025. doi:10.1177/17585732251374282

The BESS guideline development group conducted a systematic review of RCTs and systematic reviews to establish evidence-based recommendations for managing subacromial pain using GRADE criteria. The study synthesized extensive literature to formulate specific treatment protocols based on the quality of available evidence. These guidelines provide clinicians with a standardized framework to improve decision-making and treatment efficacy for subacromial pain syndrome.

16. Wallace WA, Bayley I, Watson A. BESS tribute to Michael Selby Watson (1941–2024) High performing athlete, Royal Air Force Officer, Academic Researcher, Diplomat, Ambassador, Shoulder Giant, Second President of the European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow (ESSSE/SECEC), Founding member and Third President of British Elbow and Shoulder Society (BESS) and Corresponding Member American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. Shoulder & Elbow 2025. doi:10.1177/17585732251392135

This article is a tribute honoring the life and career of Michael Selby Watson, a prominent figure in shoulder and elbow surgery and leadership. It highlights his contributions as a high-performing athlete, academic researcher, and founding president of the British Elbow and Shoulder Society. The piece serves as a historical record of his legacy rather than presenting clinical research or data.

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