Glenoid stress distribution in baseball players using computed tomography osteoabsorptiometry: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Understanding shoulder loading in overhead athletes is crucial for pathology assessment.
• Direct measurement of glenohumeral joint stress is complex; subchondral bone density reflects cumulative joint stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate subchondral bone density alterations in the glenoid cavity due to pitching.
• Compare bone density distribution in non-athletes, fielders, and pitchers.

Main Methods:

• CT imaging of dominant shoulders from 30 male college athletes (10 non-athletes, 10 fielders, 10 pitchers).
• CT osteoabsorptiometry to measure subchondral bone density distribution in four glenoid segments.
• Quantitative analysis of high-density regions on the articular surface.

Main Results:

• Pitchers and fielders showed greater high-density regions in anteroinferior and posterior segments compared to controls.
• No significant difference in high-density region percentages between pitchers and fielders.

Conclusions:

• Bicentric density patterns suggest cumulative pitching forces impact long-term glenoid cavity stress distribution.
• Findings aid in analyzing pitching mechanics and clarifying throwing-related shoulder pathologies.