Risk Factors of Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in Baseball: A Scoping Review of 3 Types of Evidence

Abstract

Background: Shoulder and elbow overuse injuries are the most common problems in baseball players. No scoping review has compared the findings from different types of evidence. Purpose: To map the broad evidence from 3 types of evidence (epidemiological, biomechanical, and narrative) on potential risk factors for shoulder and elbow injuries in baseball and identify gaps in the existing literature to guide future research. Study Design: Scoping review. Methods: Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to May 14, 2020. Any peer-reviewed papers that investigated or discussed potential risk factors for shoulder and elbow injuries in baseball were included. Results: A total of 302 studies (107 epidemiological studies, 85 biomechanical studies, and 110 narrative reviews) were included. Risk factors were categorized into 9 domains: sports profiles, physical characteristics/functions, pitching mechanics, performance, behavioral, psychosocial, biological and developmental, injury/sports profiles, and environmental factors. Studies were consistent in supporting limited shoulder range of motion (ROM) and player positions (pitchers or catchers) as risk factors for shoulder injuries. For elbow injuries, the majority of the included studies suggested that being pitchers or catchers and working with higher ball velocity can be risk factors. Conclusion: Findings were consistent in some risk factors, such as limited shoulder ROM and positions. However, findings were inconsistent or limited for most factors, and substantial research gaps were identified. Research assessing those factors with inconsistent or limited evidence in the current literature were recognized to be priorities for future studies.

Effects of Shoulder Corrective Training Program on Pitching Loads and Sonographic Morphology in Elbow Joint in Youth Baseball Players

“…Medial elbow injuries are frequently observed in youth baseball players, accounting for 22.1-29.2% (19,28,40). Research has shown a link between baseball players' elbow injuries and abnormal ranges of shoulder rotation (30,37). Those risks are particularly concerning in youth players who may not have adequate resources for prevention.…”

Quantitative and qualitative disparities exist between baseball and softball peer-reviewed pitching-related literature: a systematic review from 1990 to 2020

“… 15 , 22 , 29 , 31 In a recent scoping review, Mine et al detailed risk factors for shoulder and elbow injuries in baseball and concluded that limited range of motion and field position were consistent risk factors for shoulder injury and being a pitcher or catcher were risk factors for elbow injuries. 19 In another systematic review, Hoppe et al concluded that nonmodifiable risk factors for shoulder injury include playing position and gender, while modifiable risk factors include shoulder rotation strength, scapular dyskinesis, and injury prevention program access. 13 However, these types of original research articles and ultimate reviews that focus on softball injury rates and preventions are largely lacking in the literature.…”

Detection of Factors Related to the Development of Osteochondritis Dissecans in Youth Baseball Players Screening

“…Existing research reports that the prevalence of elbow pain among young pitchers is roughly 26% [16]. It has been postulated that pitchers, due to the significant physical demands placed on their upper limbs during play, suffer from an increased rate of elbow pain in comparison to their counterparts in other positions [17][18][19][20]. With the objective of improving the effectiveness and precision of our screening process, we strategically confined our examination to pitchers, catchers, and those players with a documented history of elbow issues.…”