Sports medicine stats: Shoulder injuries in Major League Baseball players
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Shoulder injuries represented 27.8% of all disabled days (days on the DL) in professional baseball players. Pitchers experienced a 34% higher incidence injury rate compared with fielders in Major League Baseball. When pitchers were placed on DLs for injuries to the upper extremity they remained so for a longer length of time, 74.25 days vs 54.15 days.
Source: Clinics in Sports Medicine, Published Online: January 28, 2015
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
Shoulder injuries represented 27.8% of all disabled days (days on the DL) in professional baseball players. Pitchers experienced a 34% higher incidence injury rate compared with fielders in Major League Baseball. When pitchers were placed on DLs for injuries to the upper extremity they remained so for a longer length of time, 74.25 days vs 54.15 days.