(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- As kids hit baseball diamonds across the country
this spring, new studies show arm injuries are on the rise among little
leaguers. Orthopaedic surgeons are offering new solutions to help prevent these
injuries.
Doctors say stretching out a shoulder ligament known as the posterior-inferior
glenohumeral ligament for five-minutes will relieve tightness. "It is different
from general stretches players already know, it must be taught,” Charles
Metzger, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon specializing in upper extremities in
Houston, Texas, was quoted as saying.
Ninety-seven percent of players participating in the study, who performed the
stretch properly and consistently, saw improvements.
According to another study conducted in Japan, 25 percent of the little leaguers
observed experienced elbow pain. Many players also had limited range of motion
and osteochondral lesions. Pitchers had the highest rate of osteochondral
lesions.
Ultimately, all doctors suggest athletes, parents and coaches to follow youth
baseball throwing guidelines to prevent injuries.
"A young athlete should never throw through pain or continue to pitch when he or
she is obviously recommended fatigued," George A. Paletta, Jr., M.D., an
orthopedic surgeon at the Orthopedic Center of St. Louis and Medical
Director/Head Team Physician of the St. Louis Cardinals, was quoted as saying.
"Additionally, parents should familiarize themselves with the recommended single
game, weekly and season total pitch counts, suggested recovery times, and
recommended ages for learning various pitches," Dr. Paletta concluded.
SOURCE: 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
