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New NCAA Bat Standard, BBCOR, is Associated with an Increased Incidence of Hamate Fractures
Ryan Nathe1, Tyler Nathe2, Trevor J Shelton3
1Department of Orthopaedics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California.
Insights
New batting standards in collegiate baseball significantly increased hamate fractures. The study found a 200% higher risk of these wrist injuries, with batting using the down hand being the most common cause.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Athletic Training
Background:
- Collegiate baseball implemented new batting standards in 2011.
- An increase in hamate fractures was observed at one institution following this change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the incidence of hamate fractures increased after the introduction of new batting standards in collegiate baseball.
- To analyze the mechanisms and outcomes of these fractures.
Main Methods:
- Surveys were distributed to Division 1 collegiate baseball athletic trainers.
- Data collected covered the period 2008-2010 (pre-standardization) and the 2011 season (post-standardization).
- Information gathered included fracture incidence, injury mechanism, treatment, and return to play.
Main Results:
- A greater than 200% increased risk of hamate fracture was associated with the 2011 batting standards.
- Batting with the down hand was identified as the most frequent injury mechanism (79%).
Conclusions:
- The new batting standards in collegiate baseball are linked to a significant rise in hamate fractures.
- Establishing a national injury database for collegiate athletics is recommended to better study injury patterns and improve athlete health.
Abstract:
Our institution saw four hamate fractures in the 2011 baseball season, the first season following implementation of new batting standards in collegiate baseball. The purpose of this paper was to identify whether the incidence of hamate fractures increased with the introduction of the new batting standard. Surveys sent to Division 1 collegiate baseball athletic trainers reported the number, mechanism, treatment and return to play of hamate fractures from 2008-2010 (old batting standards) and for the 2011 season. This study shows that there was more than a 200% increased risk of hamate fracture with implementation of the 2011 collegiate baseball batting standards. The most common injury mechanism was batting with the down hand (79%). We suggest that a national injury database be considered for collegiate athletics so that injury rates, risk factors and results of interventions could be studied to improve the health of our nations' athletes. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 28(4):285-289, 2019).
