Relationship between Standing Trunk Extension Angle and Medial Elbow Injuries in Young Baseball Pitchers

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the standing trunk extension angle and medial elbow injuries. Subjects and methods: The study participants were 90 male baseball pitchers (10–12 years) belonging to youth baseball teams. Pitching elbow injuries were evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon using ultrasound scans and physical examination findings. A single optical three-dimensional motion analysis system was used for the trunk extension measurements, with three-dimensional coordinates captured. The overall, upper, and lower trunk angles were then analyzed. Results: Trunk extension angle during standing trunk extension was significantly smaller among participants who were positive for medial elbow injuries on ultrasound scans (positive: 71.4◦ ± 10.3◦; negative: 75.7◦ ± 9.2◦; t = 2.05, p < 0.05). The upper trunk extension angle was significantly smaller than the lower trunk extension angle among participants who were positive for medial elbow injuries on physical examination (upper: 33.0◦ ± 6.9◦; lower: 41.2◦ ± 8.2◦; t = −2.42, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Trunk extension angle during standing trunk extension is associated with medial elbow injuries. Evaluating the trunk extension angle as multiple segments rather than a single rigid body is valuable.