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Spinal abnormalities in young fast bowlers.
P Hardcastle1, P Annear, D H Foster
1University of Western Australia, Nedlands.
Summary
Fast bowling in cricket frequently causes lumbar spine injuries in young athletes. Counter-rotation in bowling actions significantly increases the risk of pars interarticularis defects and disc degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Fast bowling in cricket is a high-impact activity.
- This action places significant stress on the lumbar spine.
- Previous research suggests a link between fast bowling and spinal injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of lumbar spine abnormalities in young fast bowlers.
- To correlate bowling technique with specific spinal injuries.
- To assess the relationship between back pain and radiological findings.
Main Methods:
- Study group: 24 fast bowlers aged 16-18 years.
- Imaging: MRI scans for all, radiographs and CT scans for most.
- Analysis: Biomechanical analysis of bowling technique for 20 participants.
Main Results:
- High incidence of back pain, consistently linked to radiological abnormalities.
- Pars interarticularis defects found in 54% of bowlers.
- Intervertebral disc degeneration diagnosed in 63% of bowlers.
- Bowling actions involving counter-rotation showed a higher injury incidence.
Conclusions:
- Young fast bowlers exhibit a high rate of lumbar spine abnormalities.
- Radiological findings like pars defects and disc degeneration are common.
- Counter-rotational bowling techniques are associated with increased injury risk.