AI Article Synopsis

  • The study examines the long-term effects of Little League elbow (LLE) and Little League shoulder (LLS) on youth baseball and softball players, focusing on their recovery, competition return, and pain recurrence over five years post-treatment.
  • Out of 61 participants diagnosed between 2013 and 2017, a significant majority (over 80%) returned to competition, though nearly 40% had to change positions, and less than half were still actively playing five years later.
  • The recurrence rate of symptoms exceeded 20%, and those who experienced recurrence were less likely to continue playing and reported poorer outcomes, highlighting the challenges faced by young athletes after injuries like LLE and LLS.

Article Abstract

Background: The long-term prognosis of baseball and softball players diagnosed with Little League elbow (LLE) and Little League shoulder (LLS) is unknown. Many of these athletes are potentially at risk of developing future shoulder and elbow injuries that may require surgical intervention. This study's purpose is to retrospectively assess 5-year patient-reported outcomes and career progression of a series of youth baseball and softball players diagnosed with LLE and LLS.

Methods: This institutional review board-approved, single-center, retrospective study evaluated 5-year outcomes of a cohort of youth baseball and softball players diagnosed with LLE and LLS between 2013 and 2017. Demographic and clinical data was recorded including age, gender, primary position, and months played per year. A standardized phone survey was obtained approximately 5 years post-treatment to assess upper extremity function, career progression, and pain recurrence.

Results: Sixty-one patients (44 LLE, 17 LLS) met the inclusion criteria and participated in a standardized phone survey. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 13.2 years and all but one of the athletes were male. On average, about 80% (34/44 LLE, 15/17 LLS) played baseball 9 months or more per year. After diagnosis and nonoperative management, more than 80% (37/44 LLE, 14/17 LLS) were able to return to competition, but up to 40% of players changed positions (9/44 LLE, 7/17 LLS). Five years later, less than half (21/44 LLE, 8/17 LLS) were playing baseball actively. The recurrence rate was >20% (9/42 LLE, 6/17 LLS) with a mean time of recurrence of 8.8 months. Patients who experienced symptom recurrence were less likely to play baseball 5 years later and had lower patient-reported outcomes.

Conclusions: A diagnosis of LLE and LLS in early adolescence can be a setback for a young athlete. Fortunately, most athletes will be able to return to competition with ∼50% still competing at 5 years. Very few will progress to future arm surgery, but recurrence rates are relatively high, and these athletes are less likely to participate in their sport 5 years later.

Level Of Evidence: Level IV-Retrospective cohort study.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/BPO.0000000000002731DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

players diagnosed
16
youth baseball
12
baseball softball
12
softball players
12
lle lls
12
lle
10
lls
9
diagnosed league
8
league shoulder
8
league elbow
8

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!