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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.
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Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention 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 Pitch Counts 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 -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