Journal article
Progressive Elbow Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Little League Baseball Players Are Common: A 3-Year Longitudinal Evaluation
The American journal of sports medicine, Vol.48(2), pp.466-472
02/01/2020
DOI: 10.1177/0363546519888647
PMID: 31801034
Abstract
Background: Prior studies have revealed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of elbow pathology in single-season evaluation of competitive youth baseball players. The natural history of these findings and risk factors for progression have not been reported. Purpose: To characterize the natural history of bilateral elbow MRI findings in a 3-year longitudinal study and to correlate abnormalities with prior MRI findings, throwing history, playing status, and physical examination. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A prospective study of Little League players aged 12 to 15 years was performed. All players had preseason and postseason bilateral elbow MRI performed 3 years before this study. Players underwent repeat bilateral elbow MRI, physical examination, and detailed assessment of throwing history, playing status, and arm pain. Imaging was read by a blinded musculoskeletal radiologist and compared with prior MR images to assess for progression or resolution of previously identified pathology. Results: All 26 players who participated in the previous single-season study returned for a 3-year assessment. At the completion of the study, 15 players (58%) had dominant arm MRI pathology. Eighty percent (12/15 players) of MRI findings were new or progressive lesions. Players with postseason MRI pathology at the beginning of the study were more likely to have MRI pathology at the 3-year follow-up than players with previously normal postseason MRI (P < .05), although 6 of the 14 players (43%) with previously normal MRI developed new pathology. Year-round play was a significant predictor of tenderness to elbow palpation (P = .027) and positive MRI findings at 3 years (P = .047). At the 3-year follow-up, 7 players (27%) reported having throwing elbow pain and 3 had required casting. Additionally, differences were noted in the dominant arm's internal and external rotation in those that continued to play baseball (P < .05). Conclusion: Dominant elbow MRI abnormalities are common in competitive Little League Baseball players. Year-round play imparts significant risk for progression of MRI pathology and physical examination abnormalities.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Progressive Elbow Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Little League Baseball Players Are Common: A 3-Year Longitudinal Evaluation
- Creators
- Joshua B. Holt - Rady Children's Hospital-San DiegoJason M. Pedowitz - University of California, San DiegoPhilip H. Stearns - Rady Children's Hospital-San DiegoTracey P. Bastrom - Rady Children's Hospital-San DiegoM. Morgan Dennis - Rady Children's Hospital-San DiegoJerry R. Dwek - Rady Children's Hospital-San DiegoAndrew T. Pennock - University of California, San Diego
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The American journal of sports medicine, Vol.48(2), pp.466-472
- Publisher
- Sage
- DOI
- 10.1177/0363546519888647
- PMID
- 31801034
- ISSN
- 0363-5465
- eISSN
- 1552-3365
- Number of pages
- 7
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 02/01/2020
- Academic Unit
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
- Record Identifier
- 9984304709802771
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