Upper limb injuries in Major League Baseball

Abstract

ObjectivesTo explore the patterns and trends of upper limb injuries in Major League Baseball (MLB). DesignDescriptive Epidemiological Study. SettingThe MLB website was screened for injuries between 2010 and 2016, inclusive. ParticipantsPlayers that were placed on the Injured Lists (IL) due to upper limb injuries. Main outcome measuresThe players’ position, injury location, injury information, date of injury, and time spent on the IL were collected. ResultsA total of 3512 injuries were documented; 1609 injuries (49%) affected the upper limb (n = 1609). On average, players were placed on the IL for 71 days (std dev = 57 days) due to these injuries. The shoulder was the anatomic location most prone to injury (35%). The elbow had the highest average days on IL (94 days; std dev = 63 days), significantly higher than all other anatomic locations (P < 0.001). Strain was the most cited cause for upper limb injuries. Pitchers had a significantly higher mean incidence rate (MIR) than fielders and catchers for shoulder, elbow, arm, and forearm injuries. Pitchers had significantly lower wrist and hand injury MIRs when compared to fielders and catchers. April had the highest burden of injuries with 380 injuries (24%) recorded. Surgery was performed on 225 injuries (14%). ConclusionUpper limb injuries are prevalent in the MLB, especially among pitchers. The shoulder is the anatomic location most prone to injury. Better understanding of the trends and patterns of these injuries will help in establishing better prevention policies.