Residents case report: deep vein thrombosis in a high school baseball pitcher following ulnar collateral ligament (ucl) reconstruction

Background and purpose: Accurate diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in an outpatient setting is difficult; however, proper screening and prompt referral can be lifesaving. The purpose of this case report is to present the unusual findings of a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in an otherwise healthy young male following an upper extremity surgery.

Case description: An 18 year-old male high school baseball pitcher presented to the clinic for his four month follow up visit after Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) reconstruction surgery. Patient complained of a recent "groin strain" and "calf strain" following baseball conditioning, that upon examination demonstrated signs and symptoms consistent with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Outcomes: Following emergent referral the patient was diagnosed with multiple emboli and was treated with Lovenox and Coumadin.

Discussion: Lower extremity DVT is a serious and potentially life threatening disorder. Physical therapists need to be vigilant in their subjective and objective examination of any patient that presents with lower extremity pain and swelling. This case report presents the unlikely findings of a DVT in a young, healthy, male high school baseball pitcher after surgical repair of the UCL.

Level of evidence: 4.