Evaluation of flexor digitorum superficialis function in adolescent baseball players

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Biomechanics of Pitching

Background:

• Increased flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon activity is a potential therapeutic target for adolescent baseball players' elbow disorders.
• The independent FDS function and preferred finger usage in this population are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether adolescent baseball players intentionally use FDS on each finger.
• To determine the proportion of adolescent baseball players capable of independent FDS use per finger.

Main Methods:

• Recruited adolescent baseball players for FDS function assessment.
• Evaluated FDS function for each finger using a standardized technique.

Main Results:

• Sixty-nine participants (mean age 10.4 years) were assessed.
• A significant number could independently flex the proximal interphalangeal joints of the ring and middle fingers.
• Difficulty was noted with independent FDS flexion in the index and small fingers (P < .001).
• No significant difference in FDS function was found between throwing and nonthrowing arms.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent baseball players demonstrate varied independent FDS function across fingers, with challenges in the index and small fingers.
• Understanding these FDS functional differences is important for addressing medial elbow injuries in young baseball players.