There are six main performance factors that predict ulnar collateral ligament injuries for Major League Baseball pitchers, according to a recent study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
The researchers analyzed 104 pitchers who underwent UCL reconstruction surgery and 104 age-matched controls to identify significant risk factors for UCL reconstruction.
Here are the six factors that may predict UCL reconstruction:
1. Fewer days between consecutive games
2. A smaller repertoire of pitches — that is, a small number of unique pitch types thrown per game
3. Less pronounced horizontal release location
4. Small stature
5. Greater mean pitch speed
6. Greater mean pitch counts per game
The researchers hope that identifying these risk factors will help to reduce future UCL injuries.