Baseball injuries.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify the frequency of injury in youth baseball, risk factors for these injuries, and possible prevention measures to reduce the frequency or severity of these injuries. DATA SOURCES: Information was collected from all known epidemiologic and intervention studies published in the peer-reviewed medical and scientific literature as it applies to youth baseball injuries. MAIN RESULTS: The frequency and severity of youth baseball injuries have remained relatively consistent over time. Risk factors for many injuries have been understudied and the study designs used for much of this research have been less than optimal. Several effective prevention measures have been identified, such as batting helmets, face shields, softer baseballs, and breakaway bases. CONCLUSIONS: Baseball is a relatively safe sport compared to many contact sports, but injuries do still occur. Future research should focus on determining the optimum pitching motion for both arm safety and performance, as well as systematically studying other potential safety improvements such as restrictions against breaking pitches.