Swing and Soreness Baseball and the Battle of Young Elbows, as Revealed by a Study

Study Reveals Baseball Poses Risk to Kids' Elbow Health

The Unfortunate Elbow Troubles of Young Baseball Players

Millions of American kids and teenagers are avid fans of baseball, but it turns out that their beloved sport can take a toll on their elbows, causing pain and injuries. According to new research, approximately 20% to 40% of youth baseball players between the ages of 9 and 12 experience elbow pain at least once during the season. This alarming statistic highlights the need for greater awareness of the risks and the implementation of preventive measures.

Dr. Vandan Patel, a radiology-orthopedics research scholar at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), emphasizes that while elbow injuries are common in baseball, they are not inevitable. With proper technique and sufficient rest, many of these injuries can be avoided. In other words, young baseball players need to practice good elbow hygiene!

So, what makes these budding athletes so susceptible to elbow injuries? Well, repetitive throwing during games and practice puts significant stress on the growing bones, joints, and muscles of their still-developing elbows. The vulnerability stems from the fact that their bodies haven’t reached skeletal maturity yet, leaving them more prone to pain and injuries.

To better understand the patterns of injury among youth baseball players, Dr. Jie Nguyen, the director for the section of musculoskeletal imaging in CHOP’s Department of Radiology, and his team conducted a study. They reviewed elbow MRI exams from 130 players aged 18 and younger who were being evaluated for elbow pain. The findings shed light on the different types of injuries experienced by skeletally immature and skeletally mature players.

In skeletally immature players, the most common findings included fluid build-up around the joint, stress injuries near the growth plate, fractures, and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions. These OCD lesions occur when a piece of bone and the overlying cartilage become injured and can detach, reducing range of motion and increasing the risk of premature osteoarthritis. Among skeletally mature players, the injury pattern shifted to the soft tissue, with triceps tendinosis and fluid build-up in the bony area where the ulnar collateral ligament attaches being the most prevalent.

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Injuries that required surgery included intra-articular bodies (small fragments inside the joint) and unstable OCD. These findings highlight the importance of early detection and intervention to prevent further complications and ensure the long-term health of young baseball players.

It’s essential for parents, caregivers, and coaches to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect the young athletes. Regular monitoring and prompt management of symptoms are crucial during the baseball season. By prioritizing the well-being of these talented individuals, we can reduce the incidence of elbow injuries, allowing them to shine both on and off the field.

Key Takeaways:

• Repetitive throwing in baseball can lead to elbow pain and injuries in young players.
• Proper technique and rest can help prevent these injuries.
• Skeletally immature players are more vulnerable due to their still-developing elbows.
• MRI exams revealed different injury patterns between skeletally immature and mature players.
• Timely detection and intervention are crucial to prevent further complications.
• Parents, caregivers, and coaches play a vital role in protecting young baseball players.
• By prioritizing their well-being, we can help these athletes flourish.

More information:

Visit Stanford Medicine for more on sports injuries among kids.

Source:

News Release – Radiological Society of North America, Nov. 30, 2023

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