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Hand injury patterns in softball players using a 16 inch ball
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Softball hand injuries frequently involve bone fractures, particularly mallet fractures in the distal interphalangeal joint. The proximal interphalangeal joint is also highly susceptible to injury.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Softball is a widely played sport with a significant injury rate comparable to other high-impact sports.
- Hand injuries are common among softball players, necessitating a detailed understanding of injury patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and characteristics of hand injuries in softball players.
- To identify specific anatomical locations and injury types most frequently affected.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 119 hand injuries in 108 patients treated at a hand clinic.
- Data collected on injury cause, bone involvement, treatment, and affected anatomical sites.
Main Results:
- 87% of injuries involved bone, with 22% requiring surgery.
- Distal interphalangeal (DIP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints were most commonly injured (86% of all injuries).
- Mallet fractures were the most common DIP injury (27% of all injuries), and volar plate fractures were the most common PIP injury.
Conclusions:
- Softball hand injuries predominantly affect finger joints, with fractures being common.
- The DIP and PIP joints, along with ulnar digits, are at high risk.
- Further research into injury prevention strategies for these vulnerable areas is warranted.