Pitch velocity, BMI cited as predictors of UCL reconstruction among MLB pitchers

ORLANDO, Fla. — Pitch velocity, the mean velocity of pitches and pitcher BMI were predictors of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction among major league baseball pitchers, according to a study presented here.

“These high-velocity pitchers should be considered targets for planned [safety and precautionary] efforts in the future,” Peter N. Chalmers, MD, said in his presentation here at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting.

Using the PitchFx database, Chalmers and his colleagues studied mean and peak fastball pitch velocity, and the age, height and weight of 1,629 major league baseball pitchers between April 2, 2007 and April 14, 2015. If a player within the study underwent ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, the date of surgery was recorded, even if it was prior to the beginning of the study. If a pitcher underwent revision UCL reconstruction, any pitch data between procedures was excluded. Game data from each pitcher was classified as control, pre-injury or postoperative.

Overall, 372 pitchers (22.8%) underwent UCL reconstruction. Pre-injury and postoperative velocity data was available for 159 and 283 pitchers, respectively.

Velocity was higher in pre-injury pitchers than control pitchers for both peak pitch velocity (93.5 mph vs. 92.1 mph) and mean pitch velocity (88 mph vs. 86.9 mph).

Although the postoperative cohort had a significantly lower peak pitch velocity (92.8 mph) than the pre-injury cohort, this disparity was not found for mean pitch velocity. The postoperative cohort also had higher peak and mean pitch velocities than the control group. Of pitcher height, weight and age, only weight significantly differed in the pre-injury cohort (215 lbs.) from the control group (210 lbs.).

According to results of a multivariate regression analysis, peak pitch velocity was the main independent predictor of a pitcher undergoing UCL reconstruction. Mean velocity and BMI were noted as secondary predictors of UCL reconstruction.

Chalmers said throwing more breaking pitches with proper mechanics could be a way to amend safety protocols, particularly in younger athletes, to reflect this data. — by Christian Ingram

Reference:

Chalmers PN, et al. Paper #316. Presented at: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting; March 1-5, 2016; Orlando, Fla.

Disclosure: Chalmers reports no relevant financial disclosures.