Predicting and Preventing Injury in Major League Baseball
A Review Paper Predicting and Preventing Injury in Major League Baseball Brandon J. Erickson, MD, Peter N. Chalmers, MD, Charles A. Bush-Joseph, MD, and Anthony A. Romeo, MD of all 30 MLB teams combined is estimated at Abstract $36 billion; an increase of 48% from 1 year ago.2 Major League Baseball (MLB) players are As the sport continues to grow in popularity and at significant risk for both chronic, repeti- receives more social media coverage, several tive overuse injuries as well as acute trau- issues, specifically injuries to its players, have matic injuries. Pitchers have been shown come to the forefront of the news. Injuries to to be at higher risk for sustaining injuries, MLB players, specifically pitchers, have become a especially upper extremity injuries, than significant concern in recent years. The active and position players. The past several MLB extended rosters in MLB include 750 and 1200 seasons have seen a dramatic rise in the athletes, respectively, with approximately 360 number of ulnar collateral ligament re- active spots taken up by pitchers.3 Hence, MLB constructions performed in MLB pitchers. employs a large number of elite athletes within its Several recent prospective studies have organization. It is important to understand not only identified risk factors for injuries to both what injuries are occurring in these athletes, but the shoulder and elbow in MLB pitchers. also how these injuries may be prevented. These risk factors include a lack of external rotation, a lack of total rotation, and a lack Epidemiology
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