S ports T rauma and O veruse P revention STOP Elbow Injuries

Elbow Injuries Why are we so concerned about elbow injuries? Because elbow injuries are… – Common: >50-75% of youth baseball players – Increasing: Elbow surgery has increased 50% in high school pitchers in the past 5 years. – Preventable: Fewer pitches = Longer Career Only 4 Little League World Series pitchers have made it to the MLB Why? Overuse injuries & Early burnout!

Common Elbow Conditions Ligament & Tendon Injuries – UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) Tommy John – Medial & Lateral Epicondylitis Bone & Growth Plate Injuries – Occur in Growing children – Medial Apophysitis “Little Leaguer’s Elbow”

Risk Factors for Elbow Injuries Number of Pitches – Pitch Count: #1 Risk Factor for Elbow Injuries – Year round baseball, Multiple teams Pitch Types – Fast Ball should be mastered first – ?Breaking pitches should be taught later (>14 yrs) Mechanics – Strength supports form, form supports speed – Fatigue leads to poor mechanics -Lyman, AJSM 2002

Pitch Counts & Rest AgePitches/Ga me Pitch Counts Age Age # Rest Days Rest Days -USA Baseball Medical and Safety Advisory Committee

When To Throw What Fastball First Change-up Second Breaking Pitches – Curveball, Slider – After age 14? Learn one pitch at a time PitchAge Fastball8±2 Change-up10±3 Curveball14±2 Knuckleball15±3 Slider16±2 Forkball16±2 Screwball17±2 -USA Baseball Medical and Safety Advisory Committee

Diagnosing Elbow Overuse Pain is NOT a sign of a strength deficit. Common Symptoms – Loss of form, accuracy, or velocity – Takes longer to loosen up – Early Fatigue – Pain – Stiffness – Swelling -USA Baseball Medical and Safety Advisory Committee

Treating Elbow Overuse Prevention is the best treatment! Initial Treatment – Rest, Ice, Gentle stretching Involve your coach early When to see a doctor… – Pain that lasts more than a few days – Swelling or stiffness in the joint

Preventing Elbow Injuries Watch pitch counts and rest days! Always warm up & cool down Learn proper mechanics Don’t forget strength & conditioning No year round play Avoid multiple teams Don’t pitch through pain or fatigue

Summary Elbow injuries are common & preventable. Pitch counts are the #1 risk factor for elbow injuries. Prevention is the key and rest is the cure. Charles Carroll