Baseball Injuries

Abstract

Objective: To identify the frequency of injury in youth baseball, risk factors for these injuries, and possible prevention measures to reduce the frequency or severity of these injuries. Data Sources: Information was collected from all known epidemiologic and intervention studies published in the peer-reviewed medical and scientific literature as it applies to youth baseball injuries. Main Results: The frequency and severity of youth baseball injuries have remained relatively consistent over time. Risk factors for many injuries have been understudied and the study designs used for much of this research have been less than optimal. Several effective prevention measures have been identified, such as batting helmets, face shields, softer baseballs, and breakaway bases. Conclusions: Baseball is a relatively safe sport compared to many contact sports, but injuries do still occur. Future research should focus on determining the optimum pitching motion for both arm safety and performance, as well as systematically studying other potential safety improvements such as restrictions against breaking pitches.

Shoulder Injuries in US High School Baseball and Softball Athletes, 2005–2008

“…8 We also found that pitchers were the most common position with shoulder injuries that required surgery, possibly because of the repetitive motions. We found that softball pitchers were injured only half as often as baseball pitchers.…”

“…4 This study found that a higher proportion of baseball shoulder injuries lasted 7 to 21 days (42%) compared with a previous study that found that 27% of shoulder injuries resulted in Ͼ5 days' time loss. 8 Although this may suggest that baseball shoulder injuries are increasing in severity over time, additional research is needed.…”

“…Because of the increased rate and severity of shoulder injuries, baseball and softball coaches should monitor athletes, especially pitchers, to make sure that they are not being injured through shoulder overuse 3,6,7,8 and that athletes are properly conditioned. 3,6 Pitchers should focus on biomechanics to ensure that they are not putting unnecessary stress on the rotator cuff and the shoulder.…”

“…6 Approximately one fourth of high school baseball players pitch. 7,8 The repetitive, unnatural form of baseball pitching results in a high risk for overuse injuries. 9 It is thought that the underhand, windmill delivery used in fast-pitch softball creates less arm stress compared with the overhand delivery in baseball.…”

“…Injured pitchers were also more frequently started as pitchers, pitched with higher velocity, and pitched more often with arm fatigue and pain. 3,8 Our objective was to describe and compare high school baseball and softball shoulder injury rates and patterns. As the number of high school athletes grows, the incidence of these injuries is also likely to increase.…”